The former Lloyds bank building in Darlington’s buzzy West end has been given a new lease of life. And it’s quite a transformation.

Where once customers queued up to transact financial affairs, they now queue up for cocktails, while floor to ceiling windows offer panoramic views across the busy street scene in this popular location.

Number One Bar, a chic bar and coffee house, is bringing something different to the town centre. And it’s the brainchild of three local businessmen – Paul Lefevre, and brothers Paul and David Pearson – who have known each other since schooldays and are deeply rooted in Darlington.

“For years we have talked about opening a business in the town, but we were waiting for the right opportunity,” says Paul Lefevre. “All of us operate businesses outside our home town, but Darlington has always appealed. The building is in a prominent location, which is becoming the most popular area for day and evening leisure pursuits. The grandeur and historic nature of the building also appealed to us all. It was this building or nothing. We wouldn’t have done this in any other location, not even two doors down.”

The old bank, a Grade II-listed building, presented challenges from start to finish, not least how to deal with 2ft thick concrete walls and a number of vaults in the cellar with thick steel doors, as well as planning and conservation constraints, even down to how the brickwork was pointed. “One of the biggest challenges was removing the suspended ceilings throughout the building, though this was actually a huge bonus as we uncovered an original dome with pepper pot ceiling which is now one of our unique features,” says Paul.

Now the city-style interior is the ideal environment for enjoying business meetings, lunches and nights out on the town. An extensive range of beautifully presented cocktails, expertly created by award-winning mixologists, bring a slice of London to the table. G&Tea is served in a teapot with dry ice, Bubblegum daquiri comes with popping candy, there are classics such as Mojitos and Daquiris, and Number One’s own classic twists such as the Darlo Colada. The daytime offering is quality coffee, teas and hot chocolate, as well as deli-style food and baked goodies.

The space is divided into distinct areas - cocktail bar, lounge, dancefloor and an outside area – with a sense of theatre and mood lighting.

“The venue has a great mixture of clientele,” says Paul. The businessmen also understand how important nice loos are, especially to women. “We offer services in the toilets such as hair dryers and straighteners and there’s even a stylist in the ladies on our busiest nights.”

“We have had a great reception from the general public after who seem to really appreciate the thought and design that have gone into the building,” says Paul.

Paul Lefevre, 41

Where do you live? – Saltburn

What did you do before opening Number One Bar? I’ve worked since leaving school, usually juggling two jobs, one of which was always a bar job, even managing Blacketts when it was coming to the end of its days. I’ve always worked in finance, too, and set up my own award-winning finance business, Happy Brokers, 11 years ago. It’s still going strong now.

Which three adjectives would the other two use to describe you? Shuffler - they find my dancing hilarious; Diplomatic; Sociable

Where do you like shop? I like to shop online. My style is smart casual and my favourite label is Judas Sinned, a British brand which brings together rock and religious imagery. (Fans include Mark Wright and Jermain Defoe).

What’s your favourite food? Beef Wellington

What’s your tipple? A Desperado (a beer and tequila cocktail). We do have to branch out and try all the other drinks we offer though, so we know what we are talking about!

Music or TV? I love Family Guy and Band of Brothers.

Best day out in the North-East? Richmond, by the river on a sunny day.

Paul Pearson, 41

Where do you live? – Darlington

What did you do before opening Number One Bar? I worked in the leisure and gym industry, holding senior management positions in the Springs group, Bannatynes and at Darlington Borough Council before Dave and I started One Gym. We now have four gyms in Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Redcar and, our latest venture, Ingleby Barwick. We also have a large residential and commercial property portfolio.

Which three adjectives would the other two use to describe you? Focused; Determined; Blunt

Where do you like shop? My style is smart casual. I love Leggs in Darlington’s Skinnergate and designer Hugo Boss.

What’s your favourite food? Italian

What’s your tipple? Jack Daniels whiskey.

Music or TV? Power, the Netflix series about a New York nightclub owner, and the horror drama The Walking Dead.

Best day out in the North-East? Durham, for the nightlife, and Northumberland for the beaches.

David Pearson, 39

Where do you live? Darlington

What did you do before opening Number One Bar? I got a degree in Graphic Design before opening a printing and design business along with the gyms and property portfolio with Paul.

Which three adjectives would the other two use to describe you? Perfectionist; Reserved; Grafter.

Where do you like shop? Another smart casual dresser. I like House of Fraser when I’m not shopping online. Ralph Lauren is a favourite label.

What’s your favourite food? Huge burgers!

What’s your tipple? Vodka and coke.

Music or TV? My taste in music and TV is pretty eclectic. I like most music genres but would probably have to say Old School House is top of the pile.

Best day out in the North-East? Beautiful Newby Hall, near Ripon, and Newcastle or Durham, both for the nightlife, of course.