Iconic Darlington pub to go under the hammer

The Glittering Star pub on Stonebridge in Darlington town centre is to be auctioned this month with a guide price of £175,000.

The four-storey property includes the former pub, with bedrooms, flat and attached retail unit, and will feature in the next multi-lot timed auction by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions. Bidding opening on 26 May and closes the following day.

According to the auctioneers, the building requires complete renovation and has the potential for a mixed-use retail and residential development, subject to planning approval.

Established in 1891, the Glittering Star was a prominent landmark of Darlington’s social history. Its name originates from local folklore around the North Star’s alignment with the spire of the neighbouring St Cuthbert’s Church. 

The pub has operated under several different names, including the Pheasant Inn from 1972 and Casanova’s in the 1980s, before being returned to its original Glittering Star identity in 1993. 

Adrian Little, director and auctioneer, at BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, said: “Darlington is currently experiencing a period of growth, driven by extensive town centre regeneration and the high-profile arrival of the HM Treasury hub. Given its excellent connectivity, with London accessible in under two and a half hours via the East Coast Main Line and the A1(M) providing good road links, the town is seeing a surge in demand for well-located commercial spaces and homes.”

He added: “This property offers fantastic potential a historic pub into a blend of modern retail and high-quality urban residential space, and we expect to see significant interest from developers when it comes to auction.”

For more details on the Glittering Star as well as viewing arrangements and bidding information, click here.

BTG Eddisons Property Auctions is a national auction business formed by uniting the regional brands Pugh, SDL Property Auctions, Mark Jenkinson and Network Auctions. It now hosts a three-day national auction event every month.