The Quakerhouse pub in Darlington was established as a licensed bar in October 1998. Located in Mechanic's Yard, the building itself dates back to the late 1700s, originally serving as three separate cottages. Before becoming a pub, the premises were famously known as the Quaker Coffee House.

In October 2008 The Quaker was amongst 30 pubs sold by Tadcaster to Scottish & Newcastle. Sadly, it was a return to the dark days of full tie. The combination of high rent and limited cask availability, forced Steve to call it a day in February 2009.

Closure was imminent (in fact it did close for one day), and that’s where Brian Dourish and Garry Hewitt, stepped in and were able to run things virtually free of tie until S & N, in their wisdom decided the pub was not in their portfolio image and promptly put it on the market. However, as sitting tenants, they were given first option to buy. Through a long period of intense negotiation, The Quakerhouse, (now re-named) became freehold on October 30th 2009.

Garry decided to retire in 2013 and Shelly Allan stepped up as manager/parter and together with Brian have taken the pub from strength to strength, combining their love of live music and real ale to put The Quakerhouse on the map.

The Quakerhouse has been voted CAMRA pub of the year now twenty times in twenty four years, the latest being this years, 2024, as well as being honoured with bronze awards in the regional pub of the year 2009, 2012 and 2017 as well as winning in 2013.

Improvements are ongoing but there will not be any change to the unique atmosphere to which we hold dear, and there will be an ever growing commitment to provide an increasing choice of top quality real ales!

The Quakerhouse is also renowned as being one of the best venues for live music, a reputation that has been achieved by attracting great musicians, and an appreciative and knowledgeable audience. Long may it ‘rock’.

Beer listing via website: https://www.realalefinder.com/beerboard/?the-quakerhouse-darlington