Darlington Market welcomes flurry of new businesses

The operator of Darlington Market has announced the opening of three new businesses in and around the central market hall, with the final food vendor, Shape: Patisserie & Bake set to open in early May.  

The launch of Marketplace Fish & Chips, Bodega Delizia, and Shape: Patisserie & Bake will add to the diverse food offering already available at the market, bridging the gap between the traditional market stalls and the newly created Street Food Hall. 

The new stalls

Shape: Patisserie & Bake, which is set to open next week, will be on East Row to the rear of the market, historically known as Bakehouse Hill, the location has been chosen as a nod to the area's history. It will serve as a bakery and patisserie with fresh bread and pastries being made daily. The team will also provide interactive classes for breadmaking and other food education purposes on a regular basis. 

Bodega Deliza is the much-anticipated Italian deli from local Masterchef, the Professionals quarter finalist, Matei Baran. In the build-up to launching this venture he has since opened Haus Der Bratwurst, a German inspired beer and bratwurst bar, and Casa Del Alma, a Mexican Street Food kiosk in the market’s Street Food Hall. Bodega Deliza serves as a continental deli serving sliced to order cured meats, Italian cheeses, and a selection of olives and other Mediterranean staples. The venue also doubles up as an Italian restaurant with its own seating area where visitors can enjoy a range of small plates, pasta dishes, and Italian desserts. 

Marketplace Fish & Chips, which is run by local entrepreneur, Adam Gilmore, has been transformed from the old fishmonger's unit in Darlington Market into a traditional fish and chip restaurant. The venue opened in late February and has become a firm favourite amongst regular customers. 

'Growing appetite'

Michael Harvey, Darlington Market’s manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong demand for the available units at Darlington Market. These new openings are a clear reflection of our ambition to create a space that celebrates a traditional market while looking to the future and catering for the demands of our customers.

"Whether it’s baking or continental-inspired dishes, or even a fresh take on a British classic, it’s a testament to the strength of our market community and the growing appetite for high-quality, diverse food experiences in the heart of our town.” 

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