Facing 13-time world champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor at the World Darts Championships in London was a dream come true for Somerset pub landlord Steve Grubb.

And despite Taylor powering to an easy 3-0 win, 'Grubby' is looking to the future, and told the Western Daily Press: "I'll be back."

Steve, 40, who runs the Lamb Inn in Clandown, near Radstock in Somerset, took on Taylor, the world number one, in the televised first round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.

But unfortunately it was a one-sided game as Steve failed to take a single leg against the champion.

After the game Taylor said it was "a relief to win".

"It was a different game to what I'm used to because Steve was struggling and I felt for him," he said.

"He was hitting too high in the 20 bed and it affected my game as well.

"Normally against a player, what they do motivates you, but I had to try and motivate myself – you react to what they do."

Steve was disappointed with his performance.

"I had no nerves at all, my hands were rock solid. I'd rather have had a few nerves, because sometimes it helps me to focus," he said.

"It was an amazing experience though. The supporters were brilliant. When I was leaving I was in the middle of the crowd and they were chanting my name – it was very humbling. I played nowhere near my best, I just kept hitting single 20s, I just couldn't get the trebles.

"Phil said to me afterwards that I was unlucky. He just kept getting 60, 60, 60."

Steve has played darts since he was a boy, learning the game in his grandfather's pub in St Werburgh's, Bristol, and playing competitively since he was 13.

On Saturday he played with a set of original Eric Bristow darts given to him on his 16th birthday.

Even though he has been playing competitively for 20 years, he had never played on TV before – let alone in front of millions of viewers.

His partner of 13 years, Jen Ford, and his proud parents Bill and Julia were there for support.

Steve tried to get the organisers to let him walk on to the dance remix to The Combine Harvester by The Wurzels, but instead found himself entering the world championships to Cotton Eyed Joe, a song he doesn't even like.

Despite losing to the world champion, Steve enjoyed a night of celebration on Saturday.

"I had a few drinks back at the hotel with friends, family and supporters and the pub was packed with supporters watching me on the TV."

"I just want to say thanks to everybody who helped and supported me. I will be back," the Somerset pub landlord said.