DARLINGTON town centre is a thriving venue of great restaurants, cafés, and takeaways; fantastic watering holes; and unique, independent shops. Some are new to the town, and some have been established for many years, but they all have one thing in common – they want to offer their customers quality products, great choice, and friendly service. Make Darlington your first stop for leisure and shopping.
Camera A photography is a true family-run business, and is run by Jane Simmons along with her mum Ann Simmons and photographer Sarah Higham. Having been in business for 36 years, they are incredibly proud of this achievement and know exactly what it takes to deliver just what you want on those special occasions. They are so passionate about what they do, and this has clearly been a huge part of what has turned them in to a real success story. They are specialists in what they do, and take on all forms of photography including weddings, portraits, and makeovers etc. They consider it a real privilege that they get to travel and see beautiful places, often at a special time in peoples’ lives. Their photography studio in Darlington has a friendly and fun feel to it, and they promise to make your experience both relaxed and happy.
3 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7NB
Telephone: 01325 381055
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Started in 1955, in Northgate, by Arthur Hughes, the Art Shop moved to Duke Street in 1963, then to Bondgate in 1988, whilst always offering a creative shopping experience. The family business, now run by Ian and Lynda, has expanded from one shop, to occupy the shops on either side, becoming three shops - hence their company name, Tri-Art.
It has become one of Darlington’s most popular and well-established shops for generations of families, and has become an iconic part of Darlington town centre. The Art Shop is well-known throughout the North-East, and has become one of the North’s leading art stores.
The friendly, trained staff offer a made-to-measure shopping experience, and know exactly what their customers are looking for and how to help them. This, coupled with high levels of personal customer service, has seen the shop flourish and grow over the years.
They cater for everyone, from the specialist artist, craft enthusiast, model and hobby maker, to the youngest of beginners. They also have a renowned card selection and gift shop, and their own in-house, bespoke framing service. With competitive prices and helpful staff, they are always on hand with ideas, inspiration and information.
11 – 12A Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JE
Telephone: 01325 465484
Since it opened in Darlington in August 2005, Hash Bar & Kitchen has become a popular, family-run café bar, family-run café bar serving breakfasts; light lunches and burgers; and drinks and cocktails until late. Come and enjoy the lively atmosphere on a Friday and Saturday, and relax in our stunning garden roof terrace which is open all year, and where we grow herbs that we use in the kitchen. Our young and friendly staff will be happy to serve you with bespoke cocktails, locally sourced gins and beers. The roof terrace and bar also plays host to a number of music and cultural events, including the popular Music Box festival, and as a venue for Darlington Jazz festival. A hidden, upstairs bar will soon be open to serve craft beers and speciality cans.
14 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG
Telephone: 01325 365585
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Following the success of their café bar, Hash, husband and wife team, Jasmin and Phil Robson, opened June 2018 Hatch Luncheonette, in Blackwellgate, serving a continental brunch menu. Ingredients are locally-sourced wherever possible, and you can enjoy delicious, locally-roasted coffee, loose leaf tea, and a selection of interesting drinks. Outdoor seating is available at our pavement café for that truly continental experience. Like Hash, dogs are welcome at.
32 Blackwellgate, Darlington DL1 5HG
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The Pasta Shop in Darlington has now been open nearly a year. The shop has a real international flavour to it in that owner, Veronika Kuntorova, is Bulgarian, her chef is Argentinian, and her two shop assistants are Italian. Right from the start, Veronika set out be different and unique in what she was offering. They are very much about using fresh, locally-sourced produce, to create healthy and beautiful food. Their pasta is made on the premises, and they have created many of their recipes for the Darlington market place. They offer a wide variety of dishes and Veronika firmly believes that offering a personalised service that is second-to-none is the key to their success. In addition, they also offer pasta-making classes.
10 Woodlands Road, Darlington, DL3 7PN
Telephone: 07366 333739
Email: info@thepastashopdarlington.co.uk
www.thepastashopdarlington.co.uk
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Located in the heart of Grange Road, the Juniper Tree offers a bespoke-made service to every guest that walks through their doors. Run by Lewis Sowerby, they offer more than 100 worldwide gins, and a wide variety of select spirits, as well as an attractive food menu, so they really do have something for everyone.
With so much to offer, and professional bar staff who have an extensive knowledge of cocktails, everyone’s needs are catered for. The Juniper Tree is the perfect venue for after work or pre-dinner drinks, a late-night catch up with friends, or a quiet evening. And, having been open for nearly two years, they really seem to have found the winning formula.
Always keen to offer a bit of variety, they will be hosting a music night on Friday, August 23rd, featuring a vinyl DJ playing funk and soul music. So why not pop along and see for yourself exactly what they have to offer?
25 Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NA
Telephone: 01325 382227
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www.thejunipertreedarlington.co.uk
Joanne Somers is celebrating an anniversary this year – her 20th. The Darlington stylist founded Era 21 Plus in her home town two decades ago, and has loved watching it grow. Now her daughter, Leander, works there too, alongside senior stylist Gemma, and apprentice Maddie, who is always looking for models to work on. They have been in their current premises for 14 years, and have seen the business blossom in to the success it is today. They pride themselves in offering a personalised service that is second-to-none, and excel in all forms of hairdressing and beauty, keeping up to date with all of the latest trends to ensure you leave the salon with that special look, and wanting to return time and again.
25A Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HT
Telephone: 01325 463573
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JTA Fires & Stoves has now been open in Duke Street, Darlington, for just over a year. Owned by Stephen Airey, who is a fully-qualified heating engineer, and assisted by head of sales, Neil Fawcett, the company has simply gone from strength to strength. They have very quickly picked up a reputation for quality workmanship and personal service that will help you realise your dream home. Both Stephen and Neil have more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, so if you are looking for a new focal point for your home, call in now for free expert advice, and to arrange a free no-obligation site survey.
9 Duke Street, Darlington, DL3 7RX
Telephone: 01325 389238
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Orb Micro Pub Ale and Whisky House has been open since December 2017. Owned and run by Ian Clough and his son, Daryl, they wanted to create a business of their own that was a little bit different. It really has a unique warm and friendly atmosphere, where people can go and converse and enjoy one of their many fine ales - many of which are sourced from the North-East - and a wide variety of fine whiskies. They consider themselves very much a community pub, with a varied clientele, but their main aim is always about offering quality ales, and you are always guaranteed a warm welcome. They have a live music once a month, have private whisky tastings, hold three beer festivals every year, and are taking part in the Darlington Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Festival between September 13 and 15. This really is a micro pub with a difference, and they are well worth a visit.
28 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG
Telephone: 07395 832370
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