Some people collect souvenirs from their travels or trophies from their careers, but darts legend Bobby George has a very unique memento that might surprise you.
The iconic player, known as much for his flamboyant style as his dart skills, has revealed he keeps one of his amputated toes in a jar right behind the bar in his Essex mansion.
A Life Marked by Flash and Flair
Bobby George, now 79, was one of the biggest names in darts during the sport’s boom in the 1980s.
Famous for his golden outfits, flashy entrances, and love of bling, he captured the hearts of fans not only for his style but also for his skill — winning major titles like the News of the World Championship twice.
Even after retiring from professional play, Bobby has stayed in the public eye as a TV pundit, never losing his charm or eccentricities.
The Story Behind the Toe in Vodka
In his new autobiography Still Here! The King of Bling, Bobby shared the story behind the unusual keepsake.
Since 1999, a genetic condition has forced him to have four of his toes amputated due to deformities that made walking painful and difficult.
While most of the toes were discarded, Bobby was allowed to keep the very first one.
He explained, “Nobody believes me until they s
ee my feet without socks on or come to my bar at George Hall and see the jar for themselves.” The condition caused his toes to dislocate painfully, making even shoe-wearing a challenge.
“Some days it hurt so much, I wished I could just chop them off myself,” he said.
Eventually, doctors stepped in with what he humorously calls “Operation Toot-Toot-Tootsie Bye-Bye.”
From Medical Oddity to Bar Attraction
After the operation, Bobby saw an opportunity for a truly unique keepsake.
“Phil, the doctor, showed me the toe and I asked if I could keep it.
He gave it to me in a small jar but couldn’t give me the usual preservative because it’s toxic. Instead, I used vodka to keep it safe.”
Now, that jar with his toe takes pride of place behind the bar in his self-built, 18-bedroom mansion, affectionately known as George Hall.
Bobby even jokes about it, saying, “Whenever someone visits, I ask if they want a cocktail or a cocktoe.”
A Touch of Humor in an Unusual Memento
Despite the oddity, Bobby’s lighthearted attitude shines through.
He added, “If I’m away for a while and my wife Marie is missing me, she can always have a little sip of my toe.”
This quirky story perfectly matches the man’s larger-than-life personality and reminds us that sometimes our most unexpected memories can become the best conversation starters.