O'Carroll's, Darlington

The Hole In The Wall is one of numerous pubs dotted around the central Market Place and is certainly one of the better options. The smallish interior has a traditional feel despite obvious refurbishments. The bare floored main bar area has a quite ornate bar frontage and various old town photos and portraits are worth a glance. A carpeted raised area at the front is ideally suited to watch the world go by outside. There are good sight lines to the flat screen TV next to the bar which was showing the opening game of the World Cup to half a dozen work shy customers (and 2 tourists!). An easily missed rear section loops behind a wall down one side of the main bar with a separate TV and darts area. 3 Ales available on my visit - Greene King Abbot, Cameron’s Strongarm and Black Sheep Best. I tried the Camerons which was fine. A pub with few surprises or pretntions but it seemed cosy enough and catered for my requirements at the time. I wouldn’t have any qualms at popping in again.

John's Magnet and Green King Abbot available on hand pull. Food offering including Thai.