Signs on Darlington A66 Sadberge new Starbucks drive-thru

Building work on the development has been ongoing since the start of the year at the former Akbar Dynasty and Tulip site near Sadberge - but very few details have been known until this point. 

The Starbucks site on the A66 near Sadberge (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

After becoming Tulip Indian Restaurant in June 2022, the venue closed last year - with work vans and scaffolding moved onto the new site at the start of 2024. 

Rumours about the involvement of Starbucks began after the building was converted into a drive-thru site - but until the Starbucks signs were added, the owners of the venue weren't confirmed.

In images taken on Friday (July 12), workers can still be seen on the site, with metal fences still up at the drive-thru development next to the Esso garage on the A66. 

The A66 site still has work people present (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

In other images, contractors can be seen adding finishing touches to the inside - including seating areas, countertops, lighting and design.

Before building work started, the venue had a controversial past under Akbar Dynasty, which saw it have its licence revoked in April 2021 - due to employing illegal workers. 

The site will be a drive-thru venue (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

But now it is set to become a new use entirely after the Starbucks signs were added, which will see a pay window, indoor seating, and outdoor seating.

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Meanwhile, Starbucks has opened another venue in Darlington after opening its doors to its newest venue on the Faverdale development in the town. 

Welcoming customers from June 20, it's just one of several Starbucks locations in the North East.

Starbucks has been contacted for a comment regarding the A66 Sadberge site.