Pre-game Drinking in Darlington

Drinking at the ground can be done in the concourse bars before the game and at half time although service, it has to be said, can be a bit on the slow side. However this is pretty much the same for a lot of venues so it is not isolated to Darlington.

Alternatively you have the Carling Sports bar (located near the main ticket office) which welcomes both home and away fans. It has two large screen TVs showing matches before and after the game on Sky Sports. Apart from the odd occasions you will get a good reception. The other main bar at the club is the Corner Bar. This is one of the nicest bars at the ground and proves popular before the game and for a while afterwards. Both bars offer the usual types of lagers and biters so you should find something to suit you.

If you don't want to drink at the ground or are spending some time in the town centre before a match there are several decent pubs. Around the market square you have the Pennyweight and The Hole in the Wall.

Elsewhere on the corner of Grange Road is Barracuda’s (formerly known as Humphrys). This is a large pub that's part of the eponymous pub chain. For those going further into town you can also find a Yates on Skinnergate and opposite the Wetherspoon's pub called The Tanners Hall.

Also in the town centre is the William Stead and Crown Street pubs. Opened in August 2006 they are both tidy enough but they are the sort of bars you'll see up and down the country. Plenty of food throughout the day and the usual selection of drinks but in the evening the music comes on so not one for those seeking a quiet evening.

Near to the railway station, less than a minute in fact, is Hogans. It was famously claimed by The Sun that this place sold the cheapest pint in the country but inflation has obviously caught up. It is still cheap though and a popular stop off for fans changing trains at the station. On first inspection this large pub looks a bit rough around the edges but it's a friendly enough place and a popular place with locals and fans alike.

Closer to the ground is The Copper Beech on Neasham Road. A decent enough place which has become popular with home supporters due to its close proximity to the ground. Features Sky Sports and the usual drinks. Located just over halfway between the ground and the railway station this is as good a place as any for those who are walking.

For those looking for more information on the town and pre-match drinks check out the excellent www.dafts.co.uk website.