The Half Moon, Darlington

Old skool GBG listed ale pub just over the ring road which opened in its current guise in 2013. Impressive old wood curved servery and topper with multicoloured pub carpet to give it the full effect. Mini library room out back with loads of books and a dedicated reading table. A proper local with a chalk sign at the bar about Ted’s food being in the fridge and it needing collecting. For those of a traditional bent, the gents bogs are outside. Four cask over six, beers from Small World, Consett, Yard of Ale and Brentwood, the latter's Mild was slightly lively but in good shape (NBSS 3.5) with two ciders also on offer. Confusion caused by the Bass and Banks pumps off right which were for decorative purposes and not dispensing – gutted. Hard to pick a favourite Darlo pub after just a single swift visit but this one is up there.

Probably my favourite Darlo pub, a old fashioned single room boozer on the main North Road. The counter to the right has six pulls and there’s a lot of old wood about, the gents is in a connected outhouse up the yard. A true classic and a gem.

A proper little locals' pub on the outside of the ring road. One very homely room and half a dozen handpumps with a good selection of beers.

Just over the ring road and a good pub with 7 hand pumps. A decent selection of real ales including a ruby ale @ 5.2% ABV. Just the one room but worth a visit.