The Tubwell Tap, Darlington

Busy place with bar to the right. Loads of tables and TVs. No cask - just keg.

Was intending on calling in for a drink while in Darlington the other day. After fighting my way past the smokers in the doorway (and noticing the big sign telling people not to smoke in the doorway) I made my way to the bar to find four hand pulls, two of which were off and the remainder offering Eagle IPA and Hobgoblin Gold. I decided I must be able to find something better than this in Darlington so didn't bother staying for a drink. Graham Coombs has commented below that the pub was entirely populated with old blokes - I think the reason for this could be explained by the fact that the pub doesn't allow kids in and seemingly doesn't do food, so that would limit its appeal to a more diverse clientele base. I'd also agree with the comment by Old Boots, a pub with "Tap" in the name conjures up an image of a pub boasting several interesting ales, which was sadly far from the case. Overall it's a bit of a strange one this, from the outside it looks like a modern Wetherspoons offering, yet once inside there is much less going for it.

A modern lounge bar in the town centre, strangely entirely populated by old blokes. A couple of TVs and a dartboard provide entertainment, also with signs advertising live music and karaoke. A bank of 4 handpumps had only one in use, with another reversed, but was at least offering something interesting in Cheadle New Zealand Pale Ale, hopefully intended to be hazy but tasting ok. Didn't especially feel at home here.

These days a pub or bar with "tap" in the name promises much, sadly in this case you will be sorely disappointed, its a fairly ordinary town centre pub housed in a long, thin, brick and wood lined retail unit. There's a quirky counter with plastic panels and brick interspersed with drawers. Bench seating under the front window and to the rear otherwise just stools at round wooden tables. Three pulls, dreadful Marstons Saddle Tank or Wainwright on the two in use. The usual screens and machines of course. Not top of the must do list in Darlo.

Official site of The Tubwell Tap - ambertaverns.co.uk

Official site of The Tubwell Tap - ambertaverns.co.uk