Having looked at what Darlington has to offer when it comes to food, we’ve now pulled together the best places to grab a drink in the North East town.
Venues on this list offer a wide range of options from champaign and wine tasting to a classic bitter in your local.
Although the list will look at places to have a drink, some venues may also offer a bite to eat while you’re there.
Prices will also vary on this list with some venues offering a cheap drink and some offering a great night time experience.
Take a look below to find out the best pubs and nightclubs in Darlington to grab a drink according to TripAdvisor.
1. Crooners Champagne Bar, Houndgate Mews, Darlington
Described as “Darlington’s most exclusive bar” the venue offers a selection of champagne, prosecco, wine, beer and cocktails.
The venue also boasts a “large selection” of alcoholic and non-alcoholic bellinis.
During the day the business serves tea, coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks.
It ranks number 1 for nightlight in Darlington and has received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor.
Crooners has received 97 five-star reviews out of a total of 117 reviews all together.
One person said: “Had another great evening with Ian and his staff. Great cocktails with excellent tutorials.
“Lovely relaxed atmosphere, not rushed into our next cocktail. Ian was very considerate, wearing his mask at the bar. Refurb looks fab. We'll be back.”
2. Orb Micropub, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
Orb is Darlington’s first micropub offering “the highest quality local real ales, craft beers and a wide range of single malt whisky.”
A long with these it also provides bottled beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Its TripAdvisor description adds: “The definition of a Micropub is 'a small freehouse which listens to its customers and promotes conversation' and we want to give our customers every opportunity to get involved.”
Also well reviewed, the venue has received 22 five-star reviews out of a total of 29 altogether.
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One person said: “Fell across this bar a few months ago on a work trip to Darlington, loved it so much I brought my whisky loving son on a two day trip to sample some of the 50+ whiskys available.
“Great staff, great atmosphere, great ales and superb whisky choices.”
3. Baydale Beck Inn, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
Offering more of a pub atmosphere, Baydale Beck Inn has been praised by customers for it’s “lovely” pints.
Although not as well reviewed as previous venues, it has scored itself 18 five-star reviews and 10 four star reviews out of a total of 38 reviews altogether.
One person said: “Called in for a a drink after our 7 mile walk and we sat at an outside table in warm sunshine.
“We were tempted by the varied menu and settled on cod and chips. The food came promptly and was very good.
“It was piping hot and the portions were very generous. I ordered tea to come at the same time as my meal and the staff did not disappoint!
“The cost of the food was very reasonable and we would, on the basis of our experience, recommend this place. Our thanks to the friendly and helpful staff!”
4. Red Lion, Priestgate, Darlington
Although not the most well reviewed venue on our list, the Red Lion offers great drink for a fair price.
Praised for its atmosphere and friendly staff the business has received nine five-star reviews and six-four star reviews out of 18 reviews in total.
One person said: “Was in red lion with a friend on Easter Sunday atmosphere was fantastic had a singer on she was brilliant bar staff were very friendly and engaged brilliantly with the customers well done.
Another person added: “Great pub with a pool table. Slightly off high street so away from all the loud noisy people on a weekend.
“Doesn’t have sky sports but team happy to change Chanel so we could watch cycling. Great range of gins including unicorn gin!”
5. Angels Cut, Duke Street, Darlington
Although people have described Angels Cut as a “small place” they stress that it is a lovely place for a drink.
The venue has received 12 five-star reviews out of a total of 16 reviews altogether, although reviews have been keen to point out that the venue isn’t cheap.
One person said: “Small place but absolutely fabulous. I love a little drink here. They staff are really knowledgeable and very helpful.
“They do all sorts of drink. Not a cheap pint but a tasty drink.”
6. The Half Moon and Crafty Pint, Northgate, Darlington
The Half Moon has also offers a great selection of drinks, a long with a good atmosphere offering a lot of conversation.
Although it only has 11 reviews, four are five-stars and six are four-stars.
One person said: “Great pub, new friends to make, good company and you really will want to stay for a 2nd and 3rd drink, this pub is amazing and the lass behind the bar is a lovely lovely lass.
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Another added: “This Pub is brilliant for conversation and getting to know the locals. The Pub itself is just lovely and very Clean so first if all well done to the Lady/gent who keeps that place spotless.
“Someone at the bar or sitting down will always start a conversation and you do not feel alone at any point unless you want to be left alone.
“We will return on our next visit and may we just say the Hostess is one lovely Lass. These Prices will show the working Man/Lady that there is room to Jingle change with a smile.”
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