Advertising Feature
TRANSFORMATION of a Barnard Castle nightclub into a trendy, Mediterranean style bar is proving to be a hit with visitors.
It is little surprise that ‘CroBar on Horsemarket has been winning rave reviews from visitors since opening last year. The bar, nestled against the historic castle walls has the look and feel of a Greek taverna, not at all what you’d expect to find in a North East market town.
Owners Roy and Sharon Sutton with the help of their 3 sons, Luke, Andy and Josh, began renovation of the former Wine Bar during lockdown, rebranding to ‘CroBar when they opened again last year and are keen to encourage more locals to seek them out.
Roy said “We have been getting a lot of tourists in and the feedback we get from people is great”
There was one lady who walked around saying “Wow, wow, wow” whilst another wrote on social media “I walked down a small alleyway in the centre of Barnard Castle and found myself in Greece!”
Relaxing, chilled out, cafe bar style music throughout the whole premises and garden adds to the overall ambiance and experience.
The inconspicuous entrance, sandwiched between a hair salon and a jeweller provides access from the main street. Venture down the wood clad, fairy light lit alleyway and prepare to be delighted with just how the space opens up into an absolute sun trap of several different seating areas – “It’s like a Tardis” one recent visitor said.
Roy added “I like to say that we’re challenging to find but rewarding when you do”
Work to complete two more phases of the renovation include a newly fitted out ‘Craft and Cask Bar’ with a fully refurbished and modernised but quirky washroom facility and a kitchen refit introducing a new and exciting eating experience which the couple are aiming to unveil before the end of the summer.
For the dog owners amongst you the bar is ‘dog friendly’ and has bowls and biscuit treats at the ready.
‘Crobar is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 2.00pm until 7.00pm and on Friday and Saturday from noon until 9.00pm – or later – depending on how busy the bar is.
