County Durham and Darlington pubs and bars that have closed

One of the most recent closures is Revolution Bar in Durham, which shut with immediate effect on Tuesday (January 27) after operator Revel Collective, formerly Revolution Bars Group, entered administration.

The Durham site was one of 21 venues closed nationwide as part of the process, resulting in 591 job losses across the business.

In Darlington town centre, The Corner House was repossessed by its landlord just 18 months after opening.

The pub, on the corner of Duke Street and Skinnergate, reopened with a bang in March 2024 after replacing Fraser’s and initially proved popular thanks to its upmarket and “classy” atmosphere.

Despite early success, a forfeiture notice appeared on the windows and door of the boozer in August last year.

Another Darlington venue, The Oak Tree, closed following an immigration raid carried out in 2025.

Four illegal workers were found during the operation, resulting in a £90,000 fine.

However, since the previous operator stepped away from the venue, operator Punch Pubs confirmed the venue is now under new ownership and would be opening at some point in 2026.

In west Durham, Ross Café & Wine Bar in Consett announced in September last year that the owners had “unfortunately decided to permanently close”.

The Royal Oak in Medomsley also closed in September 2025.

Landlords said at the time that the pub would be “closing its doors for the final time”, describing it as an “incredibly difficult” decision.

Subsequent reports indicate the business has ceased trading, and the property is now looking for a new owner.

Meanwhile, the Ancient Unicorn in Bowes closed at the end of November 2025.

Local posts announced “our lovely pub closes this weekend”, referencing the wider loss of rural pubs. There has been no indication of any reopening since.

This is just a selection of the pubs and bars, not a definitive list of all of the venues that have closed during the timeframe of the last 12 months.