(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A Barnard Castle bar has reopened after undergoing a complete transformation.
CroBar in on Horsemarket was previously nightclub Wine Bar for twenty years.
It reopened under the new name after renovation work began during the Covid lockdown.
This summer, owners Roy and Sharon Sutton, with the help of their three sons, Luke, Andy and Josh, gutted and transformed the remaining space into a stylish bar.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Luke Sutton, 42, said: “We’ve had the premises for 20 years, and we decided during lockdown to bring it from a nightclub to a bar.
“We started the work during lockdown and got the first part open in the summer of 2021 and then the rest of it has been completed and opened at the start of July.
"Everything has been made on-site, bespoke for the venue.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“It was a complete refurbishment; it no longer looks like a nightclub, it looks like a proper bar.
“The feedback we’re getting is great and we’re being told it’s a real asset to the town.”
The bar has been transformed using reclaimed timber and steel, including the steel bar cage which was made mostly from a fence that used to feature in the yard.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The yard has also been given a new lease of life with multiple areas to sit, including a sun deck, covered heated pods and chunky, colourful benches.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The Garden Lounge bar was refurbished and opened in 2021, with the rear wall of the room being part of the castle wall.
It currently operates as an overflow space during busy periods and is open late on a Friday and Saturday evening.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The Sutton family made the decision to change the venue so that customers had a reason to visit during the week.
Luke said: “We’d only really have customers on a Friday or Saturday night but now we see people throughout the week.”
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Luke confirmed that there will be events planned for the bar in the near future.
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The venue currently serves food on Fridays and Saturdays and offers a selection of tapas and mezze dishes provided by neighbouring business Oliver Twist's Kitchen. Food is served between 12pm and 6pm.
The bar is dog-friendly.
Crobar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm, until 6pm or 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.