GUESTS at the opening of a premium gin bar in Darlington were spoiled for choice, with 38 different kinds of gin on offer.

Genever, a new 1930s-style venue, hosted a relaxed preview event on Thursday night for friends and eight members of the public who won tickets through a Facebook competition.

Though an extensive cocktail menu is currently in development, the hosts kept it simple and stuck to serving a single beverage – the classic G&T, of course.

However, guests could choose from an array of gins from all over the world, including house gin Mason’s, made in Bedale, North Yorkshire, as well as upmarket tonics, including Fever Tree and Double Dutch.

Jenni Palmer, owner of Genever, said she was really pleased with the opening night.

Jenni, who has previously worked at Lewis & Cooper’s of Northallerton, spent years in the wine industry before becoming fascinated with gin.

Opening a bar was a long-held dream, she said, adding: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“Me and my friends thought about what we liked in a bar and put all the best bits in! And the location, in an upmarket part of Darlington, is perfect.”

The bar will soon be offering more than 50 types of gin, as well as a range of other drinks and a menu of light bar snacks.

Genever, at 10 Grange Road, Darlington opens July 15. For more information and for opening times visit its Facebook page.