Darlington Nightlife: Battling Decline and Hope for the Future
Darlington’s nightlife faces challenges but new bars bring hope for revival
Darlington, UK, Nightlife, Bars, Cocktail Bars, Cost of Living
Darlington: The nightlife scene here has seen better days. A bunch of popular spots like Avalon and Hoskins have shut down recently, making it feel like things are on the decline.
But wait! There’s a silver lining. New places like The Cherry Tree, Hummingbird, and ZUU Bar have popped up, bringing fresh energy to the town.
Sure, some businesses are feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis, but there are bright spots. Cocktail bars and bottomless brunches might just be the ticket to reviving the local scene.
Darlington Council is stepping up, too. They’re rolling out measures to draw people back to nightlife, including a new outdoor space on Coniscliffe Road and ongoing support for local businesses.
The Northern Echo chatted with some business owners about the nightlife changes. While some think it’s in decline, others are optimistic about new trends and arrivals.
Helen Douglas, manager at Hummingbird, shared that things have shifted since Covid. The younger crowd isn’t out as much, mainly due to the cost of living. It used to be packed, but now it’s quieter.
She noted that Darlington is changing, with fewer nightclubs and more cocktail bars that attract an older crowd. Hummingbird opened in August 2024, transforming the old Hoskins into a trendy cocktail spot.
People are loving the new vibe and drinks menu. Helen mentioned that while nightlife seems to be declining, day drinking is on the rise, with busy afternoons before things quiet down.
Dylan Scott, another manager at Hummingbird, believes the town is getting busier thanks to new trends. More cocktail bars and bottomless brunches are popping up, making it easier for locals to enjoy a night out without heading to York.
He emphasized the community spirit among local bars, where they share ideas and support each other. Hummingbird even hosts live entertainment on Sundays, which helps draw in crowds.
Number Twenty 2, a beloved bar celebrating its 30th birthday, also chimed in. Owner Vicki Ramsay Hammond said it’s quieter during the week, as Darlington is more of a weekend town now.
She pointed out that people don’t visit pubs for the same reasons anymore. There’s been a shift in who’s socializing, with older folks now making up a larger part of the crowd.
Ms. Ramsay Hammond noted that younger people are less likely to go out during the week, while older patrons enjoy bottomless brunches and day drinking.
The Cherry Tree, which opened in November, is another exciting addition. Manager Christoforos Moumouris mentioned that while it’s tough for businesses right now, weekends are still busy.
He pointed out that older customers tend to have more disposable income, while younger folks might be heading to cities with more clubbing options.
ZUU Bar, a rainforest-themed spot that opened in December, is also trying to attract a mix of customers. Owner Adem Kuzgun said costs are a big challenge, but weekends are still lively.
He’s hopeful that new bars will entice people to stay in Darlington instead of heading to bigger cities. They’ve got events lined up, like bottomless brunches, to keep the excitement going.
As for the bigger picture, nightlife in the UK has faced challenges, with many clubs closing since 2020. The Night Time Industries Association warns that urgent action is needed to prevent clubbing from becoming a thing of the past.
Despite the changes, Darlington’s nightlife might not be disappearing. A council spokesperson mentioned various measures to support the nighttime economy, including events and promotions to boost visitor numbers.
They’re also working on outdoor facilities to enhance the nightlife experience. It seems like Darlington is adapting to the changing social scene, with many bars now opening only from Wednesday to Sunday.