THE owners of a Darlington cafe have celebrated a successful first years of business with an event for local businesses and customers.

Influence Cafe, on the corner of Skinnergate and Post House Wynd, is run by Catalin and Mariana Cirimpei – a married couple with more than 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry.

On Friday, November 22, the Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Nick Wallis, attended an event at the cafe to celebrate its first birthday.

Mr Cirimpei said: "We are very happy with how our first year has gone, and we hope our customers are happy too.

"Next year, we hope to do even better by expanding our menu with more brunch, breakfast and cake offerings, and we would like to run more events and support the community more."

The cafe offers a range of hot drinks including 14 different types of loose tea, nitrogen coffee and hot sand coffee which is brewed using a pan filled with sand which is heated over an open flame. There’s also a choice of freshly made sandwiches, salads, gluten free and vegan cakes and cold drinks on display and these are available as a take-out option too.

Mr Cirimpei, who has worked in many top establishments including Rockliffe Hall, is also an artist and his own work is displayed on the cafe walls.