One of Darlington’s oldest pubs has been saved after more than a year of efforts to secure its future.
The Half Moon Inn on Northgate has been fighting for survival since the end of 2024 as footfall and profits declined.
After facing imminent closure in September 2024 due to rising operating costs and the licensee retiring, Tees Valley Community Asset Preservation Trust, a registered charity, stepped in to try to save it.
Volunteers spent months working behind the scenes to develop a business plan strong enough to secure social investment and raise the remaining funds needed to buy the building.
The charity launched a campaign to purchase the historic pub and raised money through loans, donations and public support.
By Autumn, it had secured more than £90,000 including £75,000 from a social lender, a £15,000 donation and grassroots fundraising.
Despite the progress, several offers were rejected by the building owner. In October last year, the landlord turned down a £75,000 plus VAT bid but gave the charity one month to bridge the gap through crowdfunding.
Since then, the charity has tried to secure long term funding so that the pub can still remain.
In an update, charity chair, Martin Landers confirmed that they have managed to secure the finances needed to keep the pub open, making it the first charity ran pub in Darlington.
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In an update on their Facebook page, yesterday (April 15) Mr Landers said: "We are thrilled to share the news that NatWest Social & Community Capital have agreed to loan the trust the remaining funds required to purchase the Half Moon Inn.
"This means the building, subject to the current owner accepting our offer, which meets his asking price, will be protected in community ownership, in perpetuity. It is a huge milestone, the first pub in Darlington to be owned by a charity, and your support helped make it possible.
"Pubs face very uncertain times, as people now have many more avenues for entertainment. The support of Darlington people is essential if this pub is to last another 200 years. So please call in when you pass, and encourage friends and family to do the same. The Half Moon is a lovely old pub, a small piece of what previous generations took for granted.
"Thank you again for your generosity, your belief, and your part in saving a much loved community landmark."
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