Darlington's Guru building set to be taken over soon

Hyve stocks, the latest venture by Hatch Luncheonette, will specialise in selling local produce and gifts.

They have set up a Facebook profile teasing the upcoming takeover.

The empty Guru Boutique building (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

It reads: "Hyve stocks, the latest venture from Hatch Luncheonette, will be taking over 24 Blackwellgate (formerly Guru Boutique).

"They will be stocking a collection of unique goods from local producers and small independent businesses across the UK and beyond.

"Keep your eyes peeled for further details."

They also posted another teaser of things that they want to be in the shop:

"Coming soon…

"Things we like.

"Things we love.

"Things we need.

"A curated collection of brands to gift, inspire and enjoy.

"An emphasis on small independent brands brought together in one of Darlington most iconic buildings."

Before this latest development, Guru Boutique had been in place since 1972 until it was put up for sale in March this year.

At the time Beryl Hankin, the owner, said she felt it “feels the right time” for the shop to close.

She previously said: "It’s a tribute to the character of the building that our landlord has sold it straight away and it won’t be standing empty.

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"We hope the new owner will enjoy owning such a quirky building and that the next tenant enjoys occupying number 24 as much as we have done."

Staff cleared out the stock on June 28 amid an outpouring of sadness from locals.

Beryl explained that the death of her beloved husband, Ray, in December 2021, coupled with her own ongoing cancer fight, had made her re-evaluate her life.

This venture will be Hatch Luncheonette's third property - having already opened the main building on 32 Blackwellgate, and a to-go shop on the same stretch of road.