WHEN The Northern Echo called upon readers to nominate their favourite Darlington and County Durham pubs, you certainly stepped up to the task.

With a wealth of fantastic pubs to choose from, whether you look for top-quality food, a wide range of real ales, friendly atmosphere or quirky features, the region can offer it all.

After receiving all of your nominations, the top then can now be announced.

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The finalists are:

  •  Baydale Beck Inn, in Low Coniscliffe, Darlington
  •  Crafty Merlin’s MicroPub, in 6 Buckton’s Yard, Darlington
  •  House of Hop, 4B Houndgate, Darlington
  •  ORB Micropub, at 28 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
  •  The Bay Horse, at 45 The Green, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington
  •  The Bay Horse Inn, at 28 West Green, Heighington Village, Newton Aycliffe
  •  The Bay Horse Middridge, in 42 South Side, Middridge, Newton Aycliffe
  •  The Copper Mine, in 26 Job’s Hill Bank, Crook
  •  The Fox & Hounds Neasham, in 24 Tessway, Neasham, Darlington
  •  The Slaters Arms, in 50 Bondgate, Darlington

Voting is now open, and we will feature each of the pubs over the next ten days so we can learn more about what makes each one so popular.

Readers will then be able vote for their ‘Best Pub 2024’ by picking up copies of The Northern Echo in the days to follow as we profile all the lucky finalists.

The Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster said: "The Best Pub competition is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing pubs we have across our region.

"It's no secret that many pubs have struggled in recent years, with challenges such as rising bills and the Covid-19 pandemic to contend with, so it's important now more than ever that we support the ones that remain.

"That's why The Northern Echo is delighted to launch the search for the Best Pub. We can't wait to recognise and celebrate the fabulous offers of pubs in our cities, towns and villages across the region."