First look inside Darlington's new Mexican bar Casa del Alma

The cocktail bar - located at the corner of Skinnergate and Duke Street - launched on Wednesday (August 14) after six weeks of renovations. 

Headed up by MasterChef quarter-finalist Chef Matei Baran, the Mexican venue takes over from Posh Street Food as part of the unit's concept changing format, which sees a new menu and style roughly every four to five months. 

Signs were erected outside the venue last month - with new pictures showing the bright and colourful decor with bright red sombreros, rainbow scarves, and Day of the Dead-esque artwork.

Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The walls have also been decorated in bright orange paint and black cacti silhouettes, while tequila-themed table centrepieces and Mexican drink mats adorn the tables.

Speaking to The Northern Echo at the launch, Chef Matei Baran said: "This is part of a project where every four to five months we change the concept.

"We've had street food, now we have Mexican - and there's not much in Darlington for Mexican food." 

Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Chef Baran - who said that the response so far has been 99 per cent positive - has spent six weeks alongside his team to transform the former Posh Street Food into a Mexican haven. 

"It is probably one of the most vibrant restaurants in Darlington," he said. "We have tried to go traditional on the menu too - we don't do chips or chilli con carne. 

"We're doing burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos." 

While Chef Baran still plans to change the concept of the venue around in roughly five months, he said that he may keep it for longer if it proves popular with the public. 

From chicken quesadillas and vegetarian burritos to nachos, the venue has a wide range of food up for grabs as well as over 10 different types of tequila and a range of cocktails. 

Casa del Alma will be open from Monday to Saturday every week, with food being offered between noon and 9pm and drinks between noon and 11pm. 

Recommended reading:

• House of Flavour on Duke Street in Darlington up for sale
• Grace Kelly's Irish Lounge to open on North Terrace, Seaham
• Middlesbrough Mela director 'committed' to reorganising

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 6 months for just £6 in our summer sale. Click here.

He added: "The concept is to try and keep everything as fresh as possible. It's been a real team effort from everyone, all the staff have worked as a team." 

The restaurant has 48 covers and is being run by a workforce of 10, with guests able to look into the kitchen and bar area while they tuck into Mexican delicacies. 

You can see more from Casa del Alma in our gallery of pictures below - and find out more information about the venue on Facebook here.Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Staff at Casa del Alma, in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Casa del Alma, in Darlington, has opened its doors (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)