The Lounge on Bondgate in Darlington announce closure

The Lounge, which is based on 94 Bondgate, revealed on Thursday (March 7) that it would be closing with immediate effect, due to 'financial constraints'. 

In a post online, the venue explained to its regulars that it had taken the difficult decision to close its doors for good.

The Lounge in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The post, which was shared on its Facebook page read: "As of today I've took the decision to close with immediate effect due to financial constraints.

"This wasn't taken lightly and I've kept it going as long as I possibly could but something had to give and unfortunately that is the bar.

The venue has closed with immediate effect (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"Thank you for all the custom since I opened the lounge, it's much appreciated."

This closure has sparked an outpouring of sadness from regulars online - with the initial closure post being reacted to by numerous people. 

On the initial post about the closure, one person said: "Never ever come across a man that grafts like you. You put your heart and soul into everything," while another simply added: "Good luck with your next adventure - onwards and upwards."

The Lounge had only been open for around 18 months after taking the place of the Bondgate Tavern, which closed down due financial issues of its own in 2022.

At the time, the landlords of the Bondgate Tavern announced in September 2022 that they are closing.

Back in 2022, a statement from the Bondgate Tavern read: "With the rise in running costs and the decline in footfall and with Darlington Council doing a lot in the middle of the town centre we can not keep going the way we are."