The owners of a new pub are hoping to buck the trend of struggling businesses after renovating an historic drinking spot.
Julie and Mark Weir said they were pushed into reopening The New Banktop on Yarm Road, in Darlington, after receiving several messages of support from friends.
The couple came out of retirement and have revisited the pub industry after 20 years away to breath new life into the popular pub.
The building had been unoccupied for several years after the previous owners walked away, with many drinkers in the town waiting for someone new to take over.
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“We’re getting a lot of customers coming in saying that they used to come in here and how it was one of the first places the started drinking,” said Julie while explaining the significance of the pub.
The smart and plush interior is helped by several dart boards, a pool and snooker table, large selection of alcohol and vintage mirrors on the wall from North East breweries.
But it isn’t just the attractive décor which drinkers can benefit from, Mark says, anyone who visits can expect “good service and value for money” in a “warm and welcoming atmosphere”.
Upstairs, a function room is still in the construction process but will allow the pub too host parties and other entertainment events in the near future.
Although the local couple admit friends have told them they’re mad to be opening a pub in the current economic climate, they’re just buzzing to be back behind the bar.
Julie said: “We’re just classing it as a new adventure and one that we couldn’t wait to get started. We would like to open up and get a wider range of people through the doors.
“We’re playing it by ear until we get up and running, once we’ve got upstairs done and the lift in then we can look to expand the offering. We’re open to suggestions as to what else we can use it for.”
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