The Hoptimist, Darlington

The Hoptimist, Darlington Join us for an unrivalled experience in Darlington. What are you waiting for?

🔥 The Best Drink Deals in Darlo

🎶 Live DJ Sets, Karaoke & Dancefloor every Friday + Saturday

🖤 Emo Night every Wednesday

🎮 Unique & Inclusive Events

🎱 FREE POOL on Tuesdays & Wednesdays

✨ FREE Function Room Hire

🏳️‍🌈 Everyone is welcome here! Shuffleboard, Interactive Darts, Pool, Table Football

Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Function Room, Cocktails

Huge screens

Entertainment

Need we say more?

🎲 Game On at The Hoptimist! 🍻​Stop playing games with our hearts and come play them at our tables instead!​Our TableTop ...
22/01/2026

🎲 Game On at The Hoptimist! 🍻

​Stop playing games with our hearts and come play them at our tables instead!

​Our TableTop Thursday kicks off tonight at 6 PM in The Engine Room, and it’s going to be total board-om insurance. Whether you're looking to make some new "mates," challenge your old ones, or finally prove you’re the smartest person in the room—this is the place to be.

​What’s on the menu? We’ve got a massive library of games to suit every vibe:

​Feeling classic? We’ve got Monopoly and Cluedo.

​Feeling fast? Grab the Uno deck.

​Feeling… questionable? Cards Against Humanity is waiting.

​Feeling magical? Unstable Unicorns is ready to cause chaos.

​Got a personal favorite? Bring your own games along! We don't judge (unless you’re playing a Draw 4 card on us).

​📍 The Details:

​When: Tonight from 6 PM – Late

​Where: The Engine Room @ The Hoptimist
​Cost: FREE to attend!

​Don't be pawn in someone else's Thursday night plans—come lead the pack at ours.

We’re hoptimistic you’re going to have a great time! 🐰🍺

​

🍺 A "Bitter" Update from The Hoptimist 🍺Hi everyone!We hate to be the ones to put a "damper" on your Wednesday (though t...
21/01/2026

🍺 A "Bitter" Update from The Hoptimist 🍺

Hi everyone!

We hate to be the ones to put a "damper" on your Wednesday (though the roof is doing a pretty good job of that itself lately! ☔️).

As many of you know, we’ve been working our socks off to turn The Hoptimist into the fun, warm, community hub Darlington deserves. From retro gaming to our charity work, we’ve poured our hearts (and a lot of coffee) into this place.

However, behind the scenes, we’ve hit a bit of a "structural" snag. We are currently in some very urgent talks with the building owners to try and secure the future of the pub—and more importantly, to finally get the heating and repairs sorted so we can look after our amazing staff and you lot, our loyal customers. ❄️🔥

We’re staying "Hoptimistic" that we can get this resolved peacefully in the next 24 hours. We’d much rather be posting about new beer lines and high scores than chatting with the local press about boiler repairs! 📰

To our regulars and our team: You are the soul of this pub. Everything we are doing right now is to make sure we can stay here, keep you warm, and keep the good times pouring.

Stay tuned for updates. We hope to see you all for a pint (in a much warmer pub) very soon! 🍻

Are you bored? Come get board! 🍺🧩​Tomorrow night, we’re leveling up at The Hoptimist! Join us at 6pm in the Engine Room ...
14/01/2026

Are you bored? Come get board! 🍺🧩

​Tomorrow night, we’re leveling up at The Hoptimist! Join us at 6pm in the Engine Room for our first-ever Tabletop Thursday.

Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just here for the chaos, we’ve got a seat at the table for you.

​We’ve stocked the shelves with classics and new favorites:

​Feeling spicy? Cards Against Humanity 🌶️

​Losing friendships? Uno & Unstable Unicorns 🦄

​Using that big brain? Cranium, Dingbats, & Scrabble 🧠

​Surviving the jungle? Jumanji (watch out for stampedes) 🐆

​The best part? It’s totally FREE to play.
​Got a specific quest in mind? Feel free to bring your own stash! Whether it's a "chilled out" round of Exploding Kittens or a serious Dungeons & Dragons campaign, our Engine Room is a safe space for every kind of nerd.
​Stop by for a pint, stay for the critical hits. See you at 6pm! 🍻
​
​

Don’t let your midweek be a "miscue"! 🎱At The Hoptimist, we’re chalking up the fun every single week. Whether you’re a s...
13/01/2026

Don’t let your midweek be a "miscue"! 🎱

At The Hoptimist, we’re chalking up the fun every single week. Whether you’re a shark or just here for the beer, we’ve got you covered:

🔴 Tuesdays & Wednesdays: FREE POOL! We have 2 tables ready and waiting. It’s the perfect time to work on your bank shot (without breaking the bank).

🎯 Not your cue? No problem! Take a shot at glory on our 2 dart boards. It’s the only place where being "pointless" is actually a bad thing.

🎲 NEW: Tabletop Thursdays! Still not your vibe? Join us this Thursday for our inaugural Tabletop Thursday! We’re transforming The Engine Room into a gaming haven. From classic board games to card games galore, come show us your best "poker face."

See you at the bar! 🍻

🎱 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🎱​The wait is over! Killer Pool officially launches TONIGHT at The Hoptimist, and the table is ca...
12/01/2026

🎱 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🎱

​The wait is over! Killer Pool officially launches TONIGHT at The Hoptimist, and the table is calling your name.

​Are you ready to turn £1 into a WHOLE GALLON of beer or cider? 🍺🍎 It’s time to find out who’s the shark and who’s just making up the numbers.

​The Game Plan:

​🕖 Start Time: 7:00 PM Sharp (Get here early to sign up!)

​🪙 Entry: Just £1

​🏆 The Prize: A Full Gallon of your favourite draught beer or cider!

​Whether you’ve got a professional stroke or you haven't picked up a cue in years, everyone has a chance to win in Killer. It’s the ultimate way to kick off the week and banish those Monday blues.

​Don’t be "miscue-ing" out on the fun—grab your mates, grab a pint, and we’ll see you at the table. 🍻

​Who’s taking home the gallon tonight? Tag your competition below! 👇

​

Game On at The Hoptimist! 🎲🎯🎱​Feeling thirsty after a heated board game battle, a nail-biting pool match, or a darts sho...
09/01/2026

Game On at The Hoptimist! 🎲🎯🎱

​Feeling thirsty after a heated board game battle, a nail-biting pool match, or a darts showdown? We've got just the thing to hop into your glass!

​Quench your thirst with a cool, crisp Beavertown Neck Oil Session IPA on draught, available for just £5.60! It's the perfect brew to keep your competitive spirits high (or to drown your sorrows after a particularly brutal round of Cards Against Humanity!).

​Don't forget our upcoming events:

​Killer Pool kicks off this Monday! Get ready to sink 'em all.

​Tabletop Thursdays (our dedicated board game night) starts next week! Bring your A-game and your favorite board games or have look through our huge library of games!

​See you at The Hoptimist – where the games are fun, and the beer is even better!

​

Get ready to rack ‘em up! 🎱​Things are about to get a little "cue-zy" at The Hoptimist this week. We’re launching our br...
08/01/2026

Get ready to rack ‘em up! 🎱

​Things are about to get a little "cue-zy" at The Hoptimist this week. We’re launching our brand new Killer Pool night, and it’s going to be absolute chalk and roll!

​If you think you’ve got the skills to stay on the table (and not end up behind the eight-ball), come and show us what you’re made of.

​The Lowdown:

​When: Every Monday @ 7:00 PM ⏰

​Entry: Just £1 (cheaper than a bag of crisps!) 🪙

​The Prize: A WHOLE GALLON of draught beer or cider! 🍺🍎

​That’s right—win the game, and you’ll be "hop-timistic" about your bar tab for the rest of the night. It’s the perfect way to cure those Monday blues and prove to your mates that you aren’t just "miscue-ing" around.

​Don't be a "pocket" hider—get down early to grab a drink and get your name on the board.

​Will you be the last one standing, or will you be felt-ing the pressure? See you Monday! 🍻🎱

​

🎲 LEVEL UP YOUR THURSDAYS AT THE HOPTIMIST! 🎲​Calling all Tabletop Tacticians, Card Sharks, and Monopoly Moguls!​Startin...
07/01/2026

🎲 LEVEL UP YOUR THURSDAYS AT THE HOPTIMIST! 🎲

​Calling all Tabletop Tacticians, Card Sharks, and Monopoly Moguls!

​Starting Thursday, 15th January, we’re transforming The Engine Room into the ultimate gaming tavern. Whether you’re looking to make new allies or destroy your current friendships over a "Draw 4" card, we’ve got you covered.

​📜 The Quest Details:
​When: Every Thursday | Starting Jan 15th
​Time: 6:00 PM – Late
​Where: The Engine Room @ The Hoptimist
​Entry Fee: £0.00 (It’s FREE to play!)

​🃏 Choose Your Weapon:

​We’ve stocked the shelves with the classics and the chaotic, including:

​Exploding Kittens (High stakes, high fur)

​Cards Against Humanity (Leave your filter at the door)

​Cluedo (It was Professor Plum in the Engine Room with a pint!)

​Uno, Monopoly, and many more!

​Have a niche favorite? Feel free to bring your own games along! Whether it’s a rare indie deck or a D&D campaign, our tables are your battlefield.

​🍻 Why join the party?

​Meet New People: Expand your party and find your fellow nerds.

​Challenge Your Friends: Settle those long-standing grudges over a board.

​Great Brews: We’ve got the +1 Stamina potions (beer) ready on tap.

​Don't be a lagger—mark your calendars and join us for the first roll of the dice. It’s going to be game-changing.

​

🖤 It’s Not Just a Phase, It’s Our Wednesday! 🖤​Are you feeling Hoptimistic about your mid-week blues? Or are you just fe...
07/01/2026

🖤 It’s Not Just a Phase, It’s Our Wednesday! 🖤

​Are you feeling Hoptimistic about your mid-week blues? Or are you just feeling... blue? Either way, we’ve got the cure.

​Dust off the studded belt, squeeze into those skinny jeans, and join us at The Hoptimist for our weekly ritual: Angst Anthems! 🎸💀

​We’re playing the absolute best alternative, pop-punk, and emo hits ALL DAY LONG.

Whether you’re "Goin' Down, Down" or just need to "Wake Me Up When September Ends" (we know it’s January, but the vibes remain), we’ve got the playlist to match your soul.

​The Deal:

​🤘 The Music: Non-stop bangers from My Chem, Panic!, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and more.

​🍺 The Brews: Guaranteed to be better than your high school heartbreak.

​🖊️ The Requirement: You bring the eyeliner, we’ll bring the vibes and the tunes.

​Life is full of "Misery Business," so why not spend it with a pint in hand? Don't let your Wednesday be a "Black Parade"—come celebrate the angst with us!

​Every Wednesday | All Day | The Hoptimist

​

🎱 New Year, Same Beer (But Free Pool!) 🍻​Is the January "dry" spell hitting your social life harder than a missed bank s...
06/01/2026

🎱 New Year, Same Beer (But Free Pool!) 🍻

​Is the January "dry" spell hitting your social life harder than a missed bank shot? Don’t worry, we’re helping you keep your bank balance intact while you wait for payday! 💸

​Beat the January blues at The Hoptimist with FREE POOL every Tuesday and Wednesday! 🎱✨

​Whether you’re a total shark or you haven't picked up a cue since 2019, it’s the perfect excuse to get out of the house and shake off the winter chill.

​Not a fan of the felt? No problem! We’ve got plenty of ways to keep you entertained:

​🎯 Double Trouble: Take a shot at glory on our two dartboards.

​🃏 Deal Me In: We’ve got card games and board games for those who prefer a "sit-down" sport.

​🍺 Liquid Motivation: A great selection of beers (and plenty of soft drinks if you’re actually sticking to those resolutions!)

​The days are short, but the nights are better at the pub. See you at the table! 👋

​

Don't let the January Blues win! 🍺We know the bank account is looking a bit thin after December, and the "New Year, New ...
05/01/2026

Don't let the January Blues win! 🍺

We know the bank account is looking a bit thin after December, and the "New Year, New Me" salads are getting a bit boring. It’s time to stop being a "glass half empty" person and become a Hoptimist!

We’re keeping your spirits high and our prices low to help you survive the January slump:

Draught delights: Starting from just £2.10! (Yes, you read that right).

Bottle Deals: Keeping things cool all day, every day.

Shot Deals: Because sometimes you just need a little "pick-me-up."

Why stay home and stare at the wall when you can stare at a pint for less than the price of a fancy coffee?

Come down and keep us company—it’s getting so quiet in here we can hear the packets of crisps rustling!

Get ready to level up your next event at The Hoptimist! 🍻​Looking for the perfect spot to host your crew? Stop searching...
04/01/2026

Get ready to level up your next event at The Hoptimist! 🍻

​Looking for the perfect spot to host your crew? Stop searching, because we’ve got the room and the "Engine" to make it happen. Introducing The Engine Room—Darlington’s most versatile (and best looking) function space!

​The best part? It’s FREE TO HIRE! That’s right, you save your pennies for the pints. 🍺

​Whether you’re planning something traditional or a bit more… "out there," we’ve got you covered. We can cater for up to 100 guests and we're open to almost anything:

​🎂 Birthday Bashes (No matter the age!)

👶 Baby Showers

💼 Corporate Meetings (That are actually fun)

🕊️ Wakes & Celebrations of Life

🌿 Pagan Handfastings

🧙 Exclusive D&D Tournaments (It's time to roll for initiative!)..and so much more!

​🎯 What’s under the hood? 🎯

​We aren't just a big empty room. The
Engine Room is fully loaded with:

​A Private Bar: No queuing with the crowds—get your own dedicated service! 🥂

​The Games Zone: A pristine pool table and

TWO dart boards. Let the "thwack" of the arrows begin! 🎯

​Analog Fun: A huge selection of board games and card games. 🃏

​The Vibe: Neon "Game On" lights, comfy booths, and a sleek modern-industrial feel.

​Don’t be an un-hoptimist—secure your date before someone else steals your thunder! From business suits to wizard robes, everyone is welcome.

​📍 Location: Darlington Town Centre

📧 HOW TO BOOK: Drop us an email at [email protected] to check availability!

​

Address

45-49 Tubwell Row
Darlington
DL11PD

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 1am
Tuesday 11am - 1am
Wednesday 11am - 1am
Thursday 11am - 1am
Friday 11am - 2:30am
Saturday 11am - 2:30am
Sunday 12pm - 1am

Telephone

+447495447309

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Hoptimist, Darlington posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to The Hoptimist, Darlington:

Shortcuts

Share

Category