Yarm-based Bliss Desserts to open in Darlington Market

Set to open on Thursday, October 6, Bliss Desserts will bring to the market milkshakes, frappés and a delicious mix of traditional and innovative sweet treats including crepes, freshly made ring and mouth-watering gelato-stuffed donuts and Hong Kong-inspired bubble waffles.

Heading up the latest arrival at Darlington Market is Yarm sister and brother Alexia Thompson, 26, and Jake Thompson, 28 with the decision to go into business together prompted by a baking hobby that became a runaway success.

Alexia said: “Originally, I just fancied making some cupcakes as I’d always loved baking and posted pictures on social media.

“A couple of friends asked if I’d make them some. I posted the pictures then more and more people asked, and it just went crazy.

“I started doing cupcakes, then got requests for cakes and then learnt how to make giant cookies. I always wanted to run my own business selling these kinds of items and after speaking to my brother we both just said why don’t we go for it and get a premises?”

Read more: Darlington Market's 15 traders that have either closed or relocated

Brother and sister Jake and Alexia Thompson, are due to open their new stall next month (Image: The Northern Echo)

Jake added: “A few months ago we decided to go into business together. She likes the baking side of things, and I am looking after more of the business side. We will be doing a mix of traditional products and exciting innovative offerings such as the gelato stuffed donuts –all freshly made on site.

“We have separate strengths and get on well together and never really argue. As well as fantastic, exciting, and fresh products we are also focusing on great customer service and are investing in our stall as we want it to really stand out.”

The desserts sector is among the fastest growing within the food and beverage industry – worth billions globally.

And the ambitious relatives say they were attracted to Darlington Market, operated by Market Asset Management, due to its food hall and community feel.

Jake, who will split his time between the market and his job as an electrical engineer, said: “We were really impressed with the facilities and the food hall and a second phase of development on its way.”

It is an exciting time for the market which is currently undergoing its second phase of its development.

The makeover will create new jobs and the works include a new basement prohibition-themed bar ‘The Vault’ offering great drinks including ales and cocktails and benefit from casual entertainment in a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

The works are part of a successful blueprint from operators Market Asset Management Darlington Ltd. and Darlington Borough Council for the venue, home to amazing global cuisine and independent retail offering, to grow as a food, retail, and live entertainment destination.

It follows the successful first phase of the revamp which opened to the public in August 2021.

It saw one third of the shop floor transformed into a street food scene with independent food traders offering cuisine from around the world from purpose-built units and a large communal seating area.

There is also the Market Tap bar and an events stage.

MAM’s Darlington General Manager, Michael Harvey said: “Bliss Desserts is a fantastic addition to Darlington Market which is a genuine community hub and far more than somewhere you buy and sell goods but an exciting, vibrant place to shop, eat, and drink.

“Bliss Desserts is one of two brilliant new arrivals, and we will soon be unveiling a new tenant taking up the space occupied by Taste of Budapest and preparing for their launch as soon as October.”

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