DARLINGTON’S credentials as a hub for real ale were given a double boost this weekend as a new dedicated real ale pub opened its doors while another received a national award.

The Half Moon pub in Northgate opened its doors to the public again for the first time in a year after being taken over by John Anderson and Dave Walker, who have incorporated their successful Crafty Pint stall into the freehouse.

Dozens of people packed the pub on its opening night, sampling five handpulled real ales and bottle beers from around the region.

Mr Anderson said: “It was a tremendous opening night, we were packed out from opening. We’ve had brilliant feedback and everyone was very complimentary.

“We’re very pleased with the pub and how it looks.”

The Half Moon will be open between noon and 11pm each day, although opening hours may be amended as the owners judge demand.

As the Half Moon was finding its feet, the Darlington Snooker Club, which also specialises in real ale, was named one of the top four real ale pubs in the UK by Camra.

Peter Everett, who took over the club in 1999 and introduced real ales in 2000, said he was ecstatic at receiving the award.

The Camra award is presented for beer quality as well as the general features of the pub.

Mr Everett said: “I brought in the real ales and was told that it would never work so I proved them wrong there.

“It’s like a big family here – everyone gets involved and tell me what beers they want to see and that’s how it works.”