Darlington's oldest pub facing closure
BBCThe oldest pub in Darlington is facing closure and may be "weeks away" from last orders.
The Half Moon Inn, on Northgate, is at least 201 years old, but may have stood on the site since the 1700s - pre-dating the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
A heartfelt plea by the pub's management has been issued on social media, asking the public to support the venue, and not to allow an important part of Darlington's history to disappear.
"This place is so old and so rich in history," said Sophie Landers, voluntary manager of The Half Moon Inn, on behalf of the Tees Valley Community Asset Preservation Trust.
She continued: "It's really important that people know it's here, and come and support it - because once it's gone, it's gone. In terms of a timeline, it's weeks away."
Rising business costs, including utility bills, coupled with declining footfall, are given as the main reasons why the business is struggling.
Other pubs in the area are also struggling to stay in business, with The Hoskins, The Three Crowns, and The Bondgate Tavern all having recently closed.
Carl McDowell, manager of The Turk's Head, cited a lack of footfall during the week, which he said was likely to be exacerbated by the recent increase in inflation - to 3.5%.
"Darlington's a working class town, so I think it will have a significant effect," he said.
April Smith, who runs The Hoptimist, also noted how people's drinking habits have changed.
She said: "Live music used to be a big draw to bring people into pubs, but not anymore.
"Your traditional visit to the pub is totally in the past now."
