Darlington Market slammed for closing IL Cappucino cafe

IL Cappuccino cafe has served customers for 35 years and has become the go-to location for refreshments.

However, its tenure will come to an end on Saturday after being forced to close to make way for the redevelopment of Darlington Market.

Dozens of customers paid tribute to the family business and called on the decision to be reversed.

But current owner Lynne Pearce has resigned to her fate after serving her final three months following a closure notice from the market.

Read more: Darlington cafe reveals devastation at being forced to close after 35 years

A message posted inside the cafe reads: "Unfortunately, due to the redevelopment of the market, we are having to close from 4pm on Saturday 18th September.

"We would like to thank all of our customers for their friendship and loyalty."

Customers were shocked to see a closure notice appear in the cafe

Lynne said she had heard a rumour the next phase of the redevelopment has been delayed until next year but wasn't sure if it was true. 

"I would have stayed if they had given me longer than three months. If they're redeveloping and moving me on I'm happy to accept that and it's easier to take in. 

"But if they're moving me out and not starting the redevelopment until next year then I don't see the point in it."

Lynne said the market's redevelopment is a plus for the town but is bittersweet due to having to close her own business. 

She added: "I hope the new market does work but when it's taken other businesses down it's sad to see. 

"The market have not said what they will be doing with it but I've not asked them. 

"A lot of people are shocked and have said this has been here over 30 years and it's an established business."

Darlington Market Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Mayor of Darlington, paid tribute to the long-serving cafe. 

“IL Cappuccino has been a much loved fixture within the Darlington cafe scene for as long as I can remember," she said.

"Not only have they offered speciality Italian coffees and sweet treats, they have also given many of the town’s young people their very first employment opportunity— my niece, Hannah, was one of their long-serving Saturday girls. 

"It’s terribly sad that this lovely, welcoming, Darlington landmark cafe will be closing its doors. Our town will be the poorer.”

The Northern Echo asked Darlington Market why the the cafe has been forced to close, and what will replace it, but did not receive a direct repsonse. 

A spokesman for the market said: "The current tenant's short lease has now come to an end and it has not been renewed.

"Visitors to Darlington Market can find a wide range of food and drink available, including Darlington staples such as Waterhouse Cafe, Steve's Cafe and Angies Diner, alongside the recently launched street food area within the market hall.

"We hope that customers will continue to enjoy the market and our traders."

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