Stable Hearth is a pizzeria with a growing reputation for authentic Italian food – with their own twist

NICHOLAS THEXTON knows his pizzas. The 41-year-old from Darlington is owner and chef at Stable Hearth, a small, independent family business in the town’s Duke Street, which serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas, as well as other Italian street food favourites.

Originally, Stable Hearth was based in old stable quarters in Gainford, but when word spread about just how good the pizzas were – and after listening to customers – Nicholas felt the time had come to move to bigger premises.

“We hope to appeal to a range of clientele – anyone who is looking for good quality, fresh food,” he says. “We have a great team who love talking to our customers about our food and teaching people about the joys of authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in general.”

The interior of the restaurant has a laid-back feel and is dominated by a large, wood-fired oven made specially for Stable Hearth by a third generation family business in Naples. The menu focuses mainly on pizza, mirroring those of pizzerias in Naples, a place Nicholas and his family are constantly drawn back to. Choices include classics such as the Margherita and Diavola, as well as some of their own creations, such as the Three Little Pigs (with local Cumberland sausage, black pudding and Italian smoked pancetta). “We are also excited and proud to be making our own gelato and have created some delicious flavours,” says Nicholas.

As well as being a Pizzeria, Stable Hearth is also an Enoteca – an Italian Wine shop. “We have a well-stocked bar and a fantastic wine list, Italian draught and bottled lager and craft ales,” says Nicholas. “All our wines are also available buy to take out – so not only can you order great pizzas to take home, but we can offer a delicious bottle of wine to complement it too.”

The Stable Hearth recipe is proving such a success that already there are plans to expand the Duke Street restaurant in the coming months, with an upstairs area and additional options for larger party bookings.

  • Stable Hearth, 33-35 Duke Street, Darlington, DL3 7RX. T: 01325-730400.