Plans submitted for tapas bar and restaurant in Darlington

Jason Byers from Malafolla Ltd has applied for a new premises license for Gran Taberna, located at 88 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX.

The general description on the application says: “It would include serving a range of beers, wines, spirits, vermouths and hot and cold tapas and Spanish dishes.

“With one bar, open plan kitchen, men’s, women’s and disabled WC. Both indoor seating and pavement license (if permitted).”

The application also includes making disabled access via a door and ramp to combat the stepped entrance, with one side totally glazed and south facing.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The proposed licence would permit the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises seven days a week.

The application is also applying for live indoor music from Thursday – Saturday between 3-11.30pm and Sunday from 3-11pm.

Applications have also been made for recorded music indoors and outdoors and performance of dance.

Made under the Licensing Act 2003, the premises license has applied to start on May 1, 2026.

It comes after the corner unit was spotted last week boarded up with brown paper, with a handwritten sign in Spanish reading “Vamos a Ver”, which translates as “let’s see”.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Pictures show brown sheets covering the windows as renovation work takes place inside.

The building previously housed Newcastle Building Society until 2017, before the branch moved to Horse Market on the high street.

Members of the public have until April 3 to submit comments or objections in writing to Darlington Borough Council via www.darlington.gov.uk.