A new Afro-Caribbean food restaurant has opened in Darlington - giving people of the town a unique insight into the food and culture of the Caribbean.
Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods, based at 44 Tubwell Row, opened on Saturday (August 10) with a grand opening, involving music, food and culture.
Opened by Deborah Tajudeen-Ogunrinde, who was originally born in Nigeria but moved to Darlington seven years ago, she got a passion for cooking food for people and finally got the opportunity to open up the venue.
Deborah said Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods was opened due to the need for a restaurant of this kind in the Darlington food scene.
Despite being inspired by other restaurants of the North East and Darlington, the owner of the venue believes that this unique place will capture the imagination of those that visit it.
Alongside the food kitchen, which will be a takeaway offering at first, customers can buy groceries, like grains and rice, from the shop part of the building.
And, in time, people can order takeaways from Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods & Kitchen, using Just Eat and Darlo Eats.
The business owner has also used her experience from working at Carmel College, and Darlington College, and volunteering at Basement Kitchen in Darlington.
In the future, Deborah has said that whichever proves most successful between the restaurant and grocery shop will remain at the Tubwell Row site, while the other will be moved to another building in Darlington.
Speaking previously to The Northern Echo, Deborah said: "I love food - I've been to so many incredible food places in Darlington, but I was surprised that there's no Afro-Caribbean place.
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"In terms of what people expect - they can expect some spice and sweet foods, a lot of rice dishes, but the rest of the food will be a surprise until we open.
"Before starting this business, you always doubt whether you can do it.
"But with the support of those around me - we've managed to make a good start on setting up this place."
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