The Axe Shack officially opens in Bridgwater

The Axe Shack, in premises at Unit 3, Kilnside, East Quay. hosted several members of the public on Friday evening (September 2).

The venue is the brainchild of Taunton businessman Matt Rolfe and is already proving a popular attraction after going live late last month.

The centre is believed to be the biggest axe throwing location in Somerset.

The game is similar to darts, but with axes used instead of 'arrows' with throwers - holding the axe either in one hand or both - aiming to embed them in a wooden target to score points.

Before players start they receive a coaching and safety briefing.

Then they have some warm up throws before launching into competition against each other until there's a clear winner in the group.

There are eight lanes, with a member of staff covering two lanes.

People are able to book a slot online or check on walk-in availability.

Matt, aged 43, previously told the Mercury that as a youngster he was never interested in 'traditional' games such as football.

Instead, he preferred martial arts and knife throwing, which he was introduced to by his father in the garage of their family home.

"My first experience of axe throwing was at a stag do in Germany and I was hooked." said Matt.

Matt, who moved to Taunton four years ago, has enjoyed a varied career to date, including working as an assistant buyer, a dog trainer, in pest control and in a managerial post in cinema.

Among groups he is expecting to welcome to the Axe Shack are businesses, parties such as birthdays and stag and hen dos, as well as people simply looking for a fun day out.

Sessions last around an hour.

One visitor said: "We had such fun tonight throwing axes.

"Definitely a very different date night for my partner and I.

"I'd very highly recommend going here if you like something very different and love a bit of competition.

"Will be going here on a regular basis."

For further details visit www.axeshack.co.uk

"I can't wait for it to open," said Matt, 43.

"I'm really excited and have a manager and two staff appointed locally who simply want to make sure people have a great time."

The aim of the game is to score points by hitting a wooden target with your axe.

But before you can launch your axes in one of the eight lanes, you'll need to have a bit of coaching and a safety briefing.

You'll be shown how to throw the axe, take some warm up throws and then play against each other until there's a clear winner in your group.

"At first we're only operating four lanes, but as it grows we'll take on more staff and use all eight lanes," said Matt.

"People will be able to book online or check on walk-in availability."

Matt was never interested in 'traditional' games such as football, instead preferring martial arts and knife throwing, which he was introduced to by his father.

He added: "My first experience of axe throwing was at a stag do in Germany and I was hooked."

Matt, who moved to Taunton four years ago, has enjoyed a varied career to date, including working as an assistant buyer, a dog trainer, in pest control and in a managerial post in cinema.

Among groups he is expecting to welcome to the Axe Shack are businesses, parties such as birthdays and stag and hen dos.

Sessions last around an hour.

For further details click HERE.