The Old Vic, Darlington

Very basic run down 1st floor club, accessed from the buildings side door. In poor nick and the large barking dog is very off putting and unwelcoming. However the beer is surprisingly good and the landlady friendly enough. There is a side bar with hatch if you want to avoid the dog!

Was greeted by a large noisily barking dog which happily was kept behind the bar whilst I was there. Two not very strong real ales and some decent cider. Would have given it six if the dog hadn't been there.

This is another strange venue as many were on my visit to Darlington. On the way from the station I tried to spot this place but completely failed to see it. On the way back the sign at the back was spotted and the door revealed steep stairs leading to an upstairs bar with a pool table prominent as you enter and the bar on the left. It still is a bit like a club (it was a Social Club previously). The bar had two or three hand pumps devoted to cider and the rest to local ales. The landlady was very friendly. I had time for a pint of Mistril May the 4th be with you before having to get back to the station for the train South. It's pleasant enough but unusual which seems to be the case with a number of Darlington 2015 GBG entries.