Crafty Merlin's Micro Pub in Darlington has been nominated by customers in The Northern Echo's best pub competition.

The MicroPub was born during the pandemic when owner Chris Corr, 36,and his partner Merlyn moved to the town from York.

They used the government backed business loan to start the business after being inspired by local ale houses like Orb, House of Hop and The Quakerhouse.

The settled on a former flower shop on Bondgate and started getting locally brewed ales delivered.

Chris and Merlyn has some teething problems but they began to grow a following. 

There was no outdoor seating on Bondgate so they kept an eye out for other properties - that was when they spotted Darlington Yards and set up in Bucktons Yard.

(Image: Northern Echo)

Chris said: "After finding a lovely ex-flower shop on Bondgate in Darlington, adjacent from well known pubs, restaurants and a theatre, I thought I’d found a great place. I delivered bottles of ale during the pandemic and in May 2021 I opened my doors with locally brewed ales on cask and keg.

"We had teething problems, as all start-ups have, but we started to get a little following on that side of Darlington.

"Very quickly I realised that Bondgate wasn’t going to be the right place for my bar, with no outdoor seating and slightly out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. After a year, I moved to the very beautiful Darlington Yards, and set up shop in Bucktons Yard.

"At the time the council were utilising a Towns Fund to add some colour to the yards and I wanted to be a part of it.

"I took over a small, historic building that was briefly a small jazz bar. Much like The Quakerhouse that is also down a Yard, I have been able to utilise the outdoor space and the lovely peace and quiet you get from no traffic, whilst still being in the heart of the town.

"Offering Locally and Nationally brewed Beers and Ciders from Independent Suppliers has always been my passion. 

"Although it has been a stressful time for the industry, with towering energy and product costs that really tested my anxiety levels, the people of Darlington have been supportive and always reassure me that this is a good industry to be a part of.

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"We are always trying to evolve and reinvent our MicroPub, but one thing never changes and that is to always try and have a good offering for the people who visit us.

"We hope to be here for many years to come."

You can vote for Crafty Merlin's using the form printed each day in The Northern Echo.