Number One in Darlington closes ahead of Irish bar makeover

Number One Bar and Coffee House called last orders for the final time on Sunday (August 30) after almost 10 years on Skinnergate. 

The Grade II listed building, which was formerly home to Lloyds Bank, was put up for sale last October after previous owners David and Paul Pearson decided to move on. 

It was confirmed in July that the building had been snapped up by new owners – and shortly after it was announced that the venue would be transforming into an Irish bar. 

Number One Bar in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Number One will soon become Grace Kelly’s – named after the iconic Hollywood film star.

The new venture is inspired by the likes of other popular haunts in the North East such as The Dubliner and Katy O’Briens. 

Once open, it will feature daily live music and will be open until late on weekends. 

New pictures taken today show how work is already underway inside the venue, where furniture has seemingly already been ripped out. 

Scaffolding can also be seen inside the venue, while various wood panels are on the floor beside several round tables. 

Number One Bar in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

New owners the D&J Pub Group previously said: “Grace Kelly’s Irish Bar is scheduled to open in late September to early October and will bring with it all the atmosphere of bars like the Dubliner and the very popular Katie O’Briens”.

Number One first opened on Skinnergate in late 2016 following a major refurbishment of the former bank, which had stood empty for years.

The bar was touted as bringing a “slice of London” to Darlington with a city-style interior at the time. In recent months the bar only opened on Fridays and Saturdays until late. 

The building was put up for sale last October with a price tag of £699,000 when the Pearson brothers, who also own fitness chain One Gym, announced they were moving on. 

They decided due to other business interests that were taking up their time as well as other commercial property in the town.

Number One Bar was sold at an undisclosed sum earlier this year.