The Quays, Darlington

Looks like a traditional pub from the outside but when you go in it feels like you are entering someone's front room, probably due to the carpet and wallpaper of s strange facelift and added to by the peculiar layout seeing the bar relegated to out of sight at the back. There is a small darts area and an equally small outdoor yard also. Three handpumps with one out of use and Hobgoblin and Black Sheep on the others. The first of the latter served was undrinkable but did improve subsequently.

A typical market square pub, though depressing rather than rough. Four real ales available: Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Timothy Taylor Golden Best and John Smiths Cask, none of which would really stir the taste buds, but my half of Pride was at least drinkable. It was the décor that got to me: smart but decidedly retro, the wallpaper, carpet and upholstery would not have looked out of place in the 1970s. Deep Purple on the juke box completed the scene. Get me out of here! Date of visit: 25th November 2015

Smallish and slightly odd shaped pub with friendly bar staff and locals with an offering of 4 cask ales