The owner of a family-run Darlington café has said that 'the staff and customers make this place special' after the venue was included in The Northern Echo’s Best Coffee Shop 2025 shortlist.
The Cactus Cafe & Kitchen, on Tillage Green, West Park, might be out of the town centre in Darlington, but the owner of the venue, Amanda Hird, and her staff have made the venue a community in its own right.
Opening the coffee shop four years ago with her daughter, Alex, Amanda hopes that one day Cactus will be passed to the next generation and be in the West Park area of Darlington for a long time to come.
After having a busy time running the business, Amanda says that being shortlisted for accolades like The Northern Echo's top 10 makes it "all worthwhile".
She has described her regulars and visitors to Cactus as "very special to us" and is focused on creating a "welcoming and nice atmosphere".
"We serve people from young children to older people and everything in between, and we enjoy serving a wide range of customers," Amanda said.
"We always have time for everyone.
"While our customers ultimately pay the bills, our regulars mean a lot to us.
"We love hearing their feedback and always love to hear if they want a certain thing on the menu.
As well as the customers, owner Amanda has also credited the staff, from the 16-year-old students to the 69-year-old they have working in the kitchen, for the positive culture they have at Catcus.
"The staff are great to have around - you can always rely on them," added Amanda.
"We have two great chefs and 11 great staff members in total. At the end of a bus shift, you know that the great staff will always be there."
To vote, simply fill out the slip in your copy of The Northern Echo, cut it out and choose your favourite from the list.
Post your coupon to: The Northern Echo Best Coffee Shop 2025, LOCALiQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP. Voting ends on Wednesday, December 10.
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