A themed bar is set to open in Darlington Market this weekend – taking revellers all the way back to 1920s America.

The Vault, a prohibition-themed bar, is Darlington’s latest exciting venue and will open to the public on Friday, March 31.

The highly anticipated opening party will “ooze sophistication”, serving up top-quality craft beers, real ale, creative cocktails, small plates and charcuterie.

The launch weekend will also see those sampling the bar for the first time able to soak up an array of 1920s-themed entertainment including jazz singers, burlesque performances and flapper girls – as well as the full-sized grand piano that the bar will play host to.

Read more: New prohibition-themed bar takes shape at Darlington Market

The Northern Echo: The launch of The Vault takes place on Friday, March 31.The launch of The Vault takes place on Friday, March 31. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

The bar, which opens from Thursday to Sunday 12noon until 11 pm, is the centrepiece of the transformational works at the much-loved market and part of a successful blueprint from operators Market Asset Management Darlington Ltd and Darlington Borough Council for the venue to grow as a food, retail, and live entertainment destination.

Phase 2 of the redevelopment which began in August 2022 also includes revamped shop front facades and entrances, a new shop floor café, new public and trader toilets on the ground floor and new toilets in the basement.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, leader of Darlington Borough Council visited the bar as the finishing touches were being put in place.

Read more: Casa Della Pasta opens in Darlington offering meals 12 hours per day

On the redevelopment, he said: “This is an amazing transformation and fantastic to see unused parts of this historic building brought back into use, adding to the appeal of the market for a wider variety of people.

The Northern Echo: Market officials describe the bar as “a cavern of historic and industrial splendour offset with glamorous, velvet furnishing, softening the rough edges”Market officials describe the bar as “a cavern of historic and industrial splendour offset with glamorous, velvet furnishing, softening the rough edges” (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

“We’ve got an excellent bar and evening entertainment scene in Darlington and I’m sure The Vault will become a firm favourite for many.”

Market officials describe the bar as “a cavern of historic and industrial splendour offset with glamorous, velvet furnishing, softening the rough edges”.

For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo for £1.50 a week here. 

A century-old grand piano takes centre stage, to be used by established acts and any passing musicians who wish to entertain the crowd – the bar will play host to live performances from jazz musicians throughout the year.

The Vault will be offering a selection of 12 keg beers and four cask ales including a variety of styles, from pilsners and Weissbier to stouts and IPAs sourced from local producers, continental breweries, and a couple of more commercially recognisable products to cater for different tastes.

The Northern Echo: A century-old Grand Piano takes centre stage at The Vault A century-old Grand Piano takes centre stage at The Vault (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Officials said the bar also offers a “rather seductive cocktail menu” with a range of both classic and contemporary cocktails, along with a carefully selected range of whisk(e)y, gin, rum, tequila, wine, and more.

Read next: 

MAM’s Darlington General Manager, Michael Harvey said: “The Vault is a fantastic addition and I know people can’t wait for it to open and sample its splendour.

“Balanced background music and a mellow temperament will make this the perfect hideaway to unwind with friends, chat with strangers, and let evenings get lost in good times. Every corner is littered with curiosities, history, and secrets waiting to be uncovered by those who venture into The Vault.

“It is a fitting centrepiece to the tremendous transformational works at the market as part of our unwavering commitment to ensure this is a place people love to shop, eat, drink and be entertained. As well as our amazing global cuisine and independent retail offering we are proud Darlington Market continues to shine as an events venue.”