A new bistro serving up everything from fresh bread to soup and sweet potato fries will open later this month in Darlington – here’s everything you need to know.

Darlington Market will see a new café bistro open later this month named Banqo, which will span two floors and include a bar and a bakery and create eleven jobs.

Using locally sourced ingredients, Banqo will be serving up everything from breakfasts, wraps, sandwiches, soups and schnitzel as well as freshly made sourdough bread.

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Customers will also be able to get their hands on ten different types of “lunchtime bowls” for a lighter option that includes salad, vegetables and meats.

The husband-and-wife team behind the new store, Catalin and Mariana Cirimpei have expressed their joy at the plans that will bring something “unique” to the market.

“I have seen the plans and they are exciting. We want to bring something different to the market and help to promote and invest in Darlington. The town and community have shown us a lot of support over the years.

“We can’t wait to open and bring that fresh bread smell around the market, nobody else does it. We wanted to offer something unique.”  

Catalin and Mariana are also the proud owners of other popular Darlington businesses including the Number Eight artisan bakery, and the Influence Café at Skinnergate.

This latest development comes after the phase two development of the market began in August 2022, which revamped the entrance and helped open a 1920s-themed bar named The Vault.

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Market Asset Management, who will operate Banqo, has commented on the excitement surrounding the opening as phase three begins.

Darlington General Manager, Michael Harvey said: “There is such a buzz around the place with excitement building around the Phase 3 transformation.

“We have an unflinching commitment to ensure this is a place people love to shop, eat, drink and be entertained and welcoming traders of the highest calibre like Catalin and Mariana will only enhance our offering.”