The Diamond, Bishop Auckland

I was taking my photo of this pub when a voice called out, "What are you doing?" I realised there was a man standing on the window sill and either hanging some curtains or having climbed up there to shout at me through the transom window. I explained that I took photos of pubs and hoped he wouldn't mind. I expressed delight in the pub sign, which is a diamond design on the cover of a light box attached to the front wall. He asked if I would like to see it lit up, which I agreed to, although it was a sunny afternoon. Before leaving I asked if the building was still operating as a pub, because it has no external signage to indicate as much, and he confirmed that it was (though not actually open at the time).

Called in today and no real ale but some bottled beers were in the fridge so had Shepherd Neame Mainbrace IPA. Friendly community pub.