Durham's indoor markets have welcomed two new traders to the market hall, selling fresh home baking - from cookies, biscuits and occasion cakes to sausage rolls and savouries. 

Little Bit Cookie has opened a stall in Durham's Market Hall, with owner Debbie Hepple "thrilled" to have a permanent home for her business after years of staffing outdoor markets and food festivals. 

Little Bit Cookie, is freshly stocked daily with cookies and cakes and offers a bespoke celebration cake service. 

Diane commented: “I’m now thrilled to be doing what I love every day of the week, and have been warmly welcomed by customers and Market Hall traders.”

(Image: Little Bit Cookie)

She joins Tarryn Mann, another baker who recently moved her business into the market hall after regularly attending the Saturday Outdoor Market, so she could bake her produce where she sells. 

Her specialist bakery, The Nook, supplies vegan and gluten-free sweet and savoury foods and is attracting shoppers from a wide area. 

Tarryn said: “We’re the only 100% vegan food shop in Durham, and many clients have followed me from the Outdoor Market into the Market Hall.  The sweet treats are always a hit, whether the shopper is vegan or not.  My Smores Bars and Cookie Pies always sell out.”

As well as the four new traders in the Market Hall, Brooklyn Pizza Slice has recently returned.  The business originally launched in the Market Hall in 2016 and relocated to North Road in 2021.  The reopening of the takeaway pizza stall in the city centre location has been widely welcomed and has proved particularly popular with the city’s students.

(Image: The Nook)

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James Wilson, Operations Manager at Durham Markets Company, commented: “We’re passionate about small businesses, and are thrilled to have four new and varied businesses joining the Market Hall family, as well as, of course, being able to welcome back Brooklyn Pizza Slice. 

"Small businesses like those in the Market Hall and at our Outdoor Market are vital to the city.  They are helping to keep the local economy vibrant and they ensure that Durham city centre is different from any other high street. 

"Our traders are passionate and knowledgeable about what they’re selling, which adds real value to the service you’ll receive.  We always recommend a browse of the Market Hall.  Each time you come in, you’re bound to find something new.”