House of Hop in Darlington has been nominated by customers in The Northern Echo's best pub competition.

The craft bar is one of the town's up-and-coming favourite spots, and has a group of loyal regulars who enjoy the rotating selection of locals and cask ales. 

Though House of Hop, established in 2018, is younger than some of the other nominees on the Echo's Best Pub list, the Houndsgate watering hole has spent the last seven years building a brilliant reputation. 

Holding live music events, such as the 'Acoustic Guitar & Violin Duo', as well as showing some live sport, and a vast selection of has won the a spot as one of the town's best pubs. 

It was even a stop-off for comedian Ed Byrne, well known for his appearances on Mock the Week from 2006 to 2022, before his gig in Darlington earlier this year. 

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), writes: "Smart, contemporary bar with links to the local Three Brothers Brewery.

"Located in the town centre's Imperial Quarter, there are four ever changing real ales, usually from across the North East and beyond.

"You can also find one of the widest ranges of craft keg beers in the town, plus ciders and cocktails. The pub also regularly features live music."

The full list of our finalists is:

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

You can vote for your ‘Best Pub 2024’ by picking up copies of The Northern Echo, and filling out the 'Best Pubs' form.