Glittering Star, Darlington

Reopened after a 14 month closure, an unmodernised Sam Smith's pub with some nice etched glass labelling the two sides as Smoke Room and Vaults. A further room at the back has two dartboards. The whole is plainly furnished with Britannia iron tables and banquettes. Sadly throughput of real ale was low so handpumps have been removed, but the usual Sam Smith's beers are available. The bans on electrical devices, music, swearing etc lead to a very traditional feel where conversation rules.

The Glittering Star,glitters no more, It is now a faded star as it has closed down,a local said,"they may have removed the pumps and lines" It was firmly shut while i did a large pub crawl round Darlington yesterday. Attempted visit 9/9/2017

A typical Sam Smiths pub - well presented and unpretentious, with a good atmosphere and cheap prices. There's Old Brewery Bitter on hand pump, but the keg range is a bit limited, with no mild or stout. A multi-roomed traditional layout, well preserved in true Sams style. OK, the beer choice is a little underwhelming, but at 90p for a half, who's complaining? Date of visit: 25th November 2015