A new coffee hatch serving up a unique variety of warm and tasty drinks operated by a former rugby player is set to open in Darlington today - here's all the details.

The owner of Viking Coffee on East Row is preparing to open for the first time just under a year after the well-known Steve's Café, which formerly operated in the unit, closed its doors in April.

Aiming to target dog walkers, workers and passers by, Viking Coffee believe their hatch will be accessible for all and make it easy to grab a quick coffee in town. 

The Northern Echo: Viking Coffee, Darlington.Viking Coffee, Darlington. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The menu ranges from classic coffee including espresso and americano to more speciality drinks including chai, matcha and even Turkish coffee.

Also up for grabs is a unique pink coloured beetroot latte which is said to be very popular in London.

Owner Ignas Darkintis, 35, said it's "exciting" to be opening in Darlington after he first started the business in October 2022.

Ignas said: "I first set up the business because I have a huge passion for coffee. I've always been a big coffee drinker but over the past few years I've really gotten into it.

"I started to understand how coffee is roasted and began to do it myself at home, and my interest for it just grew."

Before he suffered a knee injury, Ignas was a rugby player and he last played for Mowden Park before the pandemic.

Then, when he was thinking about what the next stage of his life would be like, he admitted that "coffee instantly came to mind" - and the rest was history. 

This is also an exciting new chapter for Viking Coffee, who have previously operated across the town in a portable converted horse box. 

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £4 for 4 months for a limited time only here.

Now, Ignas is hugely excited to have a permanent base.

He said: "I'm feeling a bit of everything right now, nervous and excited. I think after a few days I will feel settled in!"

The current opening hours will be as follows:

  • Monday 7:30am - 3pm
  • Tuesday 7:30am - 3pm
  • Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm
  • Thursday 8:30am - 3pm
  • Friday 7:30am - 3pm