About This Pub
Ah, Vesuvio Wines Cocktails and Ales – it's one of those places that just hits the spot for a good night out in Darlington. From what I've gathered from the reviews, the food is a real highlight; folks rave about the Sunday lunches, saying they're hearty, well-presented, and an absolute bargain. Pair that with some top-notch live music that keeps the energy up and a solid range of drinks, and you've got yourself a cosy spot for catching up with mates or enjoying a quiet evening. It's got that warm, inviting feel that makes you want to linger, and most people seem to leave with a smile. But, just to keep it real, there was that one instance where a barman came across as a bit unfriendly, which soured the experience for a group and had them heading out early. Overall, though, with a solid 4.5 rating, it's clear this place gets more right than wrong, so I'd say it's worth a visit if you're in the area – just go in with an open mind and you'll likely have a great time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely superb, especially their traditional Sunday lunches which are packed with flavour and great value for money.
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They've got a fantastic vibe with live music that really gets the evening going – think cosy chats and great tunes from talented performers.
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The selection of wines, cocktails, and ales is spot on, making it a brilliant spot for a relaxed drink or a proper night out.
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Service is generally warm and professional, with staff who know their stuff and make you feel right at home most of the time.
Cons
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There can be the odd off moment with staff, like that time a barman was a bit short and unhelpful when asked for wine advice, which put a damper on things.
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It might not suit everyone if you're after a super consistent experience, as the service isn't always as welcoming as you'd hope.
Contact Information
3A Houndgate, Darlington DL1 5RL
+447599461588
Wine bar
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
Monday | 17:00 - 21:00 |
Tuesday | 17:00 - 21:00 |
Wednesday | 17:00 - 21:00 |
Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
Saturday (Today) | 12:00 - 01:00 |
Sunday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Wow what a great group, Mean Street played fabulous music and we enjoyed our beer and wine.
We have had great visits to Vesuvio recently, and stayed for a few drinks. Yesterday 4 of us stayed for only one as didn’t feel welcomed by barman. Upon asking for wine advice he replied ‘they are all good, we are not Wetherspoons’. And continued to have an unfriendly manner. We left after one drink each and spent our money in Twenty2’s. We will look in door next time to see who is working.
First Sunday lunch at Vesuvio for a while, and it was excellent. Chef Steve Hughes did a great job cooking and presenting a great tasting and plentiful traditional Sunday lunch. Pricing for all three courses made this meal great value, and it was an inspiring return to food at Vesuvio.
Friendly, cosy bar. Nice vibes. Great music with Phil and Stefan at the guitars. We really had a great evening!
I've been going to Vesuvio for about a year, and this is the first time I've eaten in the restaurant. It was absolutely superb. The food was absolutely fantastic; the service was professional & friendly.
Special thanks to Les, Nigel & Sophie Our waitress was an absolute credit to the restaurant too.
I'll be definitely going for food again.
Highly recommended, but I also recommend booking in advance.
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