A well-known building in the centre of Darlington has been standing for over 100 years, previously as a bank, but now as a bar.
It is on the corner of Skinnergate and Coniscliffe Road and is now home to Number One Bar and Coffee House.
Many people remember it as the old Lloyds Bank building.
The former Lloyds branch on Skinnergate/Coniscliffe Road (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Its red-brick walls, decorative features, and pointed corner tower make it one of the town's most recognisable landmarks.
Built in the late 1800s when Darlington was growing as a busy commercial and industrial town, it was designed to be used as offices and a bank and was built on a curved corner site.
The former Lloyds branch on Skinnergate/Coniscliffe Road (Image: GOOGLE)
Historic England describes it as "one of the most striking Victorian buildings in Darlington".
It added: "It has Dutch-style gables, steep slate roofs, decorative terracotta details, and a small spire on top of its corner tower. The building has three floors as well as rooms in the attic."
In 1977, it was given Grade II-listed status because of its historical and architectural importance.
Number One Bar in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
For most of the 20th century, the building operated as a Lloyds Bank branch and served local customers for many years.
However, as more people started using online banking, the branch closed in 2013.
After standing empty for a few years, the building was transformed into Number One Bar and Coffee House in 2016.
The Gregory Property Group acquired the building in 2014, the year after Lloyds relocated, and in December of 2014, plans were approved for a restaurant and five apartments.
Then, in July 2016, new plans were approved for seven flats on the upper floors, and the building went under the hammer.
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It was shortly after that crews moved in on the building to transform it into a city-style interior that brought a "slice of London" to Darlington.
Number One said it had an "exceptional" start too, offering a range of cocktails and daytime selection of coffees and baked goods.
More recently, the bar has only been open for reduced hours on Fridays and Saturdays until late.
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