Shopping and dining in Darlington's yards and wynds
Did you know that Darlington is a hotspot for shopping independent? While there are small businesses dotted across the town centre, there’s a real hive of indies in the historic yards and wynds between High Row and Skinnergate. From coffee shops and bakers, to jewellers and preloved fashion, there’s a whole community of independent shops to discover. We’ve listed just some of the incredible businesses you can find, but we highly recommend having a wander and seeing who else you come across.
Echo 3 Coffee House & Roastery, Clark’s Yard
What could be better than freshly roasted coffee and homemade sweet treats? Star Wars memorabilia, of course. This incredible coffee house in Clark’s Yard brings all three of these things together to make a cosy space that’s great for a pitstop while shopping or a catch up with friends. Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan, we guarantee you’ll fall head over heels with their piping hot cuppas and cake!
The Cheese & Wine Shop, Clark’s Yard
Nothing can beat a great cheeseboard and wine night, especially if everything is bought locally. The Cheese & Wine Shop specialise in artisanal and often hard-to-find cheeses, deli produce and incredible wines that may not be available in supermarkets, including vegan, biodynamic and independent wines. Walking through the door is like stepping into an authentic European deli and you’ll be totally spoiled for choice!
Bakerman, Clark’s Yard
If you’re looking for amazing, award-winning sourdough, focaccia or brioche, Bakerman is the place for you. This non-profit community bakery in Clark’s Yard is an absolute must visit for some of the best bread in the country, as named by the Britain’s Best Loaf awards. Alongside the breads, you’ll also be able to find a range of tasty traybakes to try to. We highly recommend the brownies!
Figtree Illustrations, Clark’s Yard
Figtree Illustrations are all about capturing the spirit of nature and the changing seasons in art form. From cards and prints to beautiful home décor, this shop in Clark’s Yard has a whole host of items for you to keep or gift. And if that wasn’t enough, this stunning shop has its own art club on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can get creative with a host of crafts. It’s a must visit!
Café Spice, Clark’s Yard
Café Spice’s passion lies in crafting culinary masterpieces from Bengali Indian cuisine. This award-winning restaurant serves up dishes that are both works of art and bursting with authentic flavours, making it a must visit for any fan of Indian food. You can either dine in or order from their takeaway menu, so make sure this is on your list for the next time you’re eating in Darlington.
Falafel Fella, Clark’s Yard
Another fantastic option for a bite to eat in Clark’s Yard is Falafel Fella, an authentic Syrian café and takeaway. While this spot’s signature is their fresh, crispy and hot falafels, the rest of the menu is packed with deliciousness, including handmade hummus, wraps and baklava-style pastries. This is a great café to try if you’re wandering the town centre, and want something amazing and quick to eat.
Acquaintance Hair Salon, Buckton’s Yard
It’s hard to miss the gorgeous candy stripes and baby blue frontage on Acquaintance Hair Salon in Buckton’s Yard. Have you seen a cuter place for a hair cut? Whether you only want a trim, fancy a new colour or want a whole restyle, Acquaintance can help. Make sure you get in touch with them to get yourself booked in!
Crafty Merlin’s, Buckton’s Yard
If you’re a fan of craft beers, ciders or wines, you’ll love Crafty Merlin’s in Buckton’s Yard. This micropub and bottle shop is a haven for trying a range of drinks, whether you’re a fan of a traditional ale or you like something a little more unusual. You might discover something you’ve never tried before or a new favourite. Plus, there’s a fabulous monthly quiz to get involved with too, so go along and see how you do.
Sunflower Café, Buckton’s Yard
For a small cosy café that offers homemade food and quick bites to eat, try Sunflower Café. When the sun’s out, we recommend sitting al fresco by their sunflower and bee mural to enjoy a cuppa or one of their pies, quiches or cakes. But for when the weather isn’t so great, you can always sit inside to warm up. It’s the perfect little place for a quick lunch while you’re out and about.
Number Eight Bakehouse, Post House Wynd
Number Eight are big believers in offering variety without skipping the fantastic quality and precious time put into their baked goods. From croissants and doughnuts, to lovely loaves and tray bakes, they have a weekly menu that never ever misses the mark. And to make this spot even better, they also offer a whole host of vegan options, which are always clearly labelled. It’ll be hard to pick up just one thing!
Vineyard Café, Post House Wynd
“Good coffee for good” is the ethos behind Vineyard Café in Post House Wynd. Not only does this spot serve great coffee and sensational food, but their ingredients are ethically sourced, they use as many compostable products as possible, and their toilets are twinned to provide sanitation overseas. With salads, sandwiches, cakes and coffees, you can enjoy a bite to eat whilst knowing your support is stretching further than just Darlington.
Creative Space, Post House Wynd
Creative Space is home to a collective of local artists and craftspeople who are selling or displaying their work. It’s a real treasure trove with lots of incredible pieces to discover, including photography, paintings, jewellery and so much more. Many artists also work from the space, so you might even see some pieces in progress when you visit. This is such a welcoming and friendly spot, so take your time to browse and enjoy all the artwork!
Hope & Glory, Post House Wynd
Second hand clothing and sustainability will always be in style, so try Hope & Glory for vintage pieces and retro-inspired clothes. You could spend hours browsing through their racks and shelves, and find something new on every lap of the shop. It’s a real treasure trove of beautiful, preloved clothing, including jackets, blouses, skirts and dresses, so make sure to visit a few times to keep an eye on all the new clothes they bring in.
The Wynd Café & Bistro, Post House Wynd
If you’d like lunch in a super relaxed environment with a fabulously varied menu, try The Wynd Café & Bistro. This pink and white striped spot has plenty of options to choose from, including breakfasts, pizzas, salads and parmos, as well as a menu of traditional Ukrainian dishes. It’s a brilliant café to catch up with friends or maybe indulge a little.
Ingledews Jewellers, Post House Wynd
Ingledews Jewellers on Post House Wynd are diamond specialists, but they also offer keepsake jewellery. You can take your sentimental prints, handwriting or drawings, and have them laser engraved on to a pendant or charm, which would be the most gorgeous gift. It’s also a top spot for engagement and wedding rings, so if you’re popping the question soon or the big day is coming up, try Ingledews!
The Silver Shop, Post House Wynd
If you’re looking for designer brands like Thomas Sabo and Daisy London, The Silver Shop is for you! This independent, family-run shop sells an extensive range of exciting brands and stunning pieces, including rings, watches, brooches and more. They also offer jewellery and watch repair services, so if you’ve got a bit of bling that you want fixing up, bring it into the shop.
Find more inspiration for your visit to Darlington in our blog posts.