In what will be the eighth North American location for the brand, upscale darts concept Flight Club is opening in Clayton at 7710 Forsyth Blvd. this Friday, Jan. 31. Launched in the U.S. in 2018 by State of Play Hospitality, a leading international social entertainment operator, Flight Club combines craft cocktails and elevated cuisine with its signature fast-paced, technology-driven dart experience.
Flight Club has locations in cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Las Vegas, and over 20 locations worldwide. And soon, St. Louis will also be home to the unique concept.
In a statement released by the company, Toby Harris, Chief Executive Officer of State of Play Hospitality shared what drew the brand to open a location in Clayton. ”St. Louis has so many of the qualities we look for in a city including a strong sense of civic pride and an impressive and diverse food and entertainment culture,” Harris said.
Flight Club utilizes a proprietary scoring software that was developed by a NASA scientist that includes an advanced tracking system and automated scoring. The software also has the capacity for up to 300 players and an instant-replay camera captures winning throws, which are displayed on screen and can be shared on social media so players can relive their gameplay.
The St. Louis location will feature 6,250 square feet of indoor space with eight semi-private playing areas, called an oche, plus a large, covered patio which will be utilized in warmer months. The interior evokes the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a British Pub accented by charming decor reminiscent of the whimsical, playful aesthetic of Victorian-era fairgrounds.
Each location features an elevated food menu and a curated selection of cocktails made with premium spirits. The globally-inspired bites include items like Lobster Elote Dip which combines grilled street corn, cilantro, cotija cheese and a creamy lime base served with chips.
There are also flatbreads to choose from like pepperoni and sausage or the vegetarian-friendly truffle mushroom. Other selections include buffalo chicken sliders, truffle fries and mini tacos, available in a poke-inspired version or barbacoa style.
“It draws from the English pub background and Victorian-era whimsical elements, and features a globally inspired experience,” chef Jeff Martell, National Director of Culinary for Flight Club, said of the menu.
That whimsy is also highlighted in the dessert offerings, which include a rotating variety of cotton candy, churros served with dulce de leche crema and profiteroles, which are cream puffs served with raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces.
The cocktail menu focuses on fresh ingredients such as fruits and botanicals, and each cocktail is developed so that it can also be offered as a mocktail. Some highlights include the lavender lemonade, made with Empress Gin, lavender and Fever Tree Lemon Tonic, as well as the Bee Sting, which combines Bulleit Bourbon, lemon, apricot and hot honey, adding a sweet, spicy finish.
“As something inspired by a British pub, you don’t tend to think high-end food and cocktails, but we put so much thought into our food and beverage programs,” said Samantha Miller, Creative Director with State of Play Hospitality.
Miller went on to explain that all of the food is designed to be easily held while playing darts, while guests are seated at the bar or chatting with friends between plays. Although it’s a darts establishment, Flight Club is also a space for guests to gather with friends or coworkers at the bar for drinks and food without engaging in any gameplay.
In addition to the core menu and the happy hour drink menu which features classics like Cosmopolitan and Tom Collins, as well as beer and wine offerings, Flight Club also serves a weekend brunch menu. The selections range from a salmon flatbread to avocado toast and breakfast sliders, as well as coffee, tea, Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
Flight Club will be open seven days a week and will offer happy hour Monday through Friday, in addition to its regular menu and weekend brunch service. As part of the grand opening, they’ll be offering $20 bottomless mimosas. For more information about Flight Club and to stay updated on the grand opening details, find the establishment on Facebook or Instagram.
Check out the slideshow below for a look at the new concept.
