Turks Head, Darlington

Martin Wood the Business Development Manager is seeking an operator who has a good understanding of the local marketplace as well as being someone who embraces local regulars, fosters events (quiz nights, games, local teams), and wants to embed the pub in the social fabric of the area. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in delivering diverse entertainment and sports offerings, combined with a clear vision for success. Strong marketing and promotional skills are essential for this pub as it sits in a highly competitive area, but with the right approach, there is real potential to build a loyal customer base and achieve a healthy turnover. If you’re passionate about creating great experiences, leading from the front, and making your mark on the Darlington pub scene, this is your opportunity to shine!

Proper Pubs are seeking a new operator for The Turks Head, available from the end of November 2025. The Turks Head is a true community local, situated in the heart of Darlington, a large market town in County Durham, North East England. The town lies on the River Skerne and forms part of the wider Tees Valley region, alongside Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland. This well established pub is an integral part of Darlington’s diverse and vibrant social circuit. Nestled on a busy street with strong footfall and surrounded by numerous local shops, The Turks Head offers excellent potential for an enthusiastic operator to build upon its solid local reputation and welcoming community feel.

Pub Layout

Upon entering through the front door, guests are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To the left hand side, there’s a pool room, offering a lively social space perfect for casual games and catch ups. On the right hand side, a raised seating area features comfortable fixed seating. A long, narrow bar runs through the centre of the pub, serving as the heart of the pub. Just off the main bar area are snug spaces furnished with high tables and stools. At the rear, you will find a fantastic enclosed beer garden, branded by Guinness and truly one of a kind in this area. The garden features a large TV, making it the perfect spot for match days and charity events.

The Turks Head is a much loved community pub at the heart of the neighbourhood, proudly supported by loyal locals. The external redecoration of the pub will soon be underway, enhancing its curb appeal and giving it a fresh new look. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the pub offers a lively entertainment programme featuring Karaoke, Indie nights, DJs, and live bands ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sports fans are well catered for with Sky Sports and TNT Sports, showing all the major fixtures on well positioned TV screens throughout the pub. Committed to its community roots, The Turks Head regularly hosts charity events and fundraisers, giving back to the local community. Locals can enjoy a wide and varied drinks selection, showcasing top-quality brands, weekly promotions, and exciting monthly deals offering great value and something new to try every time. At Proper Pubs, we’re passionate about creating great community spaces that make a positive impact. The Turks Head will continue to be a place where everyone feels welcome, entertained, and part of the community. The pub has a late license at the weekends and the new operator would want to ensure that this is utilised to its full potential. The pub has an established pool team and the darts is played on target darts interactive system.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation consists of three double, bathroom, kitchen and sitting room, a perfect space for a couple or individual to call home, this can be accessed via a separate entrance.

Security deposit: £2,000

Estimated Annual Turnover (Net):£830,000

These figures are based on our Business Development Managers assessment of the trading potential of this pub and are intended for guidance purposes only

No rent applicable on this agreement

This opportunity is for you to run your pub as a self-employed manager. Admiral Taverns take care of all the running costs including rates, utilities, stock and day to day running costs whilst you take home 18.5% of the net weekly sales. You will be require to cover all employment costs relating to your staff and any council tax and TV licence for the residential quarters.

All new operators have comprehensive free training as part of their agreement.

• 7 Steps to Sales Success Training Programme.  Held online over two days, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• E-Learning Training for you and your staff. Featuring more than 30 courses for both you and your staff, you’ll have access to a wide range of topics from Compliance, Health and Safety to Personal Development and Wellbeing.