A RESTAURATEUR has expanded his brand by opening his second North-East establishment, in a move that will create 20 jobs and could lead to further expansion.

Simon Leadbetter is opening Cafe 85 in Darlington, building on the success of the brand which has become established through his initial restaurant in Yarm, near Stockton.

Plans are also being considered to expand the brand further across the region, with the potential openings of more restaurants in the region.

The Darlington Cafe 85, in the town’s Duke Street, has been open for little over two weeks, but has already proved popular. The business, which uses ingredients from local suppliers, is creating 20 jobs, six of which will be full-time posts.

Mr Leadbetter, who trained at Darlington College, is also head chef at the restaurant.

He has extensive experience in the catering industry through positions including sous-chef to Terry Laybourne at The Magpie Room, in Newcastle’s St James’ Park, and at both Maxine’s restaurant, in Darlington, and Raffles at The Croft hotel, near Darlington, as well as working for two London hotels.

He said: “I’ve lived in Darlington for the past 11 years, so I believe I know what the town needs when it comes to a dining experience. When I saw the place had become available, I saw the opportunity.

“Our success in Yarm has probably really helped in opening a second restaurant, and looking at establishing Cafe 85 as a recognisable brand across the region is something I’d like to look at.

Opening another restaurant is definitely not out of the question, and is something we’ll look at after maybe a year or so.

“In Yarm, our success has been based on a great location, quality of food we offer and competitive pricing.

That’s the same recipe we will be using here in Darlington.

“Value for money is very important and so is the way the food tastes. We source all our goods from local suppliers – our meat is from Neasham, and our fish comes from Redcar and Hartlepool – and we’re proud to use local products to create fine English meals.”

During the day, the venue will operate as a cafe, while during the evening it becomes a dining room and bar.

Mr Leadbetter said: “It’s been hard work and a challenge to make sure the opening went smoothly, but I’m very excited on the whole. It’s already been full on a few nights, which is really rewarding.”