Meet the owner of a unique axe-throwing arena in Northants who features in hit Netflix show
Meet the owner of a unique axe-throwing arena in Northamptonshire, who also features in a hit Netflix show that has proved popular since its release.
Damien Rees is the owner of this county’s TBV AxeMasters franchise, which is located at The Stores in Weedon Bec.
The business is home to a viking-themed indoor axe-throwing arena, where visitors take part in an hour-long experience tailored to their group size and ability. The aim is to learn how to throw an axe at targets and once mastered, the group takes part in games.
It was in December 2023 when TBV AxeMasters opened in Weedon, which is when Damien took a leap to launch the Northants franchise as a friend of the original founder based in Kent.
With TBV AxeMasters having won a 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing them in the top 10 percent of businesses worldwide, Damien was asked what positive feedback he has received from customers.
“It’s the environment, tutoring, atmosphere and energy,” he said. “People are out of their comfort zone learning a new skill. It’s easy to pick up but hard to master. People love the theme and say it’s much better than what they expected.”
Damien delivers all the sessions himself and strives to provide a “really good customer experience”, which is what he believes sets the business apart from other attractions.
He continued: “I want everyone to have a good time and I look after every customer as soon as they walk in the door. It is decked out viking-style and I tailor each session so groups have a great time.”
Damien is from Rugby, which is where he has lived for most of his life, but chose to launch the franchise in Northamptonshire due to its locality and accessibility. He was confident the niche offering would attract people within a 45-minute radius.
In addition to the axe-throwing arena in Weedon Bec, Damien has now purchased a mobile axe-throwing trailer with two targets – to cater to events, festivals and weddings. This will be available for bookings from spring next year and was made possible through a grant from West Northamptonshire Council.
Damien continues to take on acting and extras roles alongside running TBV AxeMasters and, separate from that, he appears as a contestant in the second series of Squid Game: The Challenge which was released on Netflix in November 2025.
He is player 81 of 456 chosen from 150,000 applicants and the winner receives $4.56 million. This was filmed in February 2025.
Damien looks forward to welcoming new faces to TBV AxeMasters, which is open six days a week to people aged 10 and over. Spaces must be booked in advance of your visit.