Darlington's newest pub has opened to the public for the first time. Olivia Howlett dropped in to take a look around.

At 1 pm on a sleepy Friday afternoon, the Hummingbird cocktail bar opened its doors in Darlington.

Whilst the grand opening didn’t draw in a large crowd - unsurprising for a weekday lunchtime - the bar’s potential shone brightly through its nearly completed construction.

Hummingbird has replaced the dated Hoskin’s pub and - after a lick of paint, new furniture and some glitz and glamour - the site looks completely unrecognisable.

(Image: HUMMINGBIRD)

After Hoskin’s announced its closure in May this year the transformation of the venue has been nothing short of remarkable.

Inside, the new bar boosts a chic, modern interior that contrasts sharply with its predecessor.

Bright yet classy colours decorate the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both trendy and sophisticated, making a more high end feel to the bar rather than your everyday boozer.

The bar offers a diverse cocktail menu, with prices ranging from £8 to £10.95, catering to a variety of tastes.

(Image: HUMMINGBIRD)

However, during my visit, the two individuals sitting in the venue had not yet indulged in the offerings.

The interior of Hummingbird is truly a sight to behold. Gold disco balls hang above a spacious dance floor, promising lively nights to come and I can promise you that this floor is significantly cleaner and less sticky compared to the Hoskins disco dance floor.

A performance area has been created for live music events, which will be a feature of the new venue.

(Image: HUMMINGBIRD)

There's plenty of comfy quite luxurious seating ensuring comfort for customers, as well as the beautifully designed restrooms that add a touch of luxury to the venue.

Most read:

Unlock unlimited local news for just £6 for 6 months today. Enjoy access to our ad-free mobile and tablet app, as well as the digital edition of the paper. Don’t miss out – subscribe now

As the final touches are applied to the building, the Hummingbird stands ready to become a vibrant part of Darlington’s social scene.

Overall, I think it's got good potential to be a nice little cocktail bar with an upmarket feel, similar to what you might see in a big UK city, offering something a little different for Darlington drinkers

Here’s to wishing the new bar every success as it takes flight, bringing a fresh burst of energy and elegance to the town.