A Darlington ice cream shop is set to close this week for a six week long refurbishment and revamp that will see them expend their menu and transform their seating space.

Rainbow Scoops on Tubwell Row in Darlington town centre will be closed from November 10 for at least six weeks whilst work is undertaken.

An expanded menu including handmade creamy Italian gelato, ice cream cakes and even a sandwich bar are just a few of the ambitious plans by owner Arran Last. 

Rainbow Scoops owner Arran Last.Rainbow Scoops owner Arran Last. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Arran opened the shop in June 2022 - and has admitted that the business at times has been "challenging" but is hoping the revamp will bring in new custom.

He told The Northern Echo: "We're going for a range of 40 different up market ice creams and 16 vegan flavours too. This will be a significant increase the range.

"We are also going to do ice cream cakes - all of which will be of authentic Italian design. There's nothing like this in Darlington - it will be unique to us.

"We're also going to do a waffle range including waffle lollies and lucky coins - which are two waffles together and can be sweet or savoury."

Arrana added that the shop will have a sandwich bar and chilled cakes and coffees as part of the menu overhaul as well as an interior re-decoration. 

The current rainbow sprinkle theme will also be overhauled to create an Italian beach style vibe with booths and a bench overlooking the street for people to "watch the world go by".

This project comes just a year after the dad of two launched a fundraiser to keep the business afloat during quieter winter months.

Arran at the time admitted he was "struggling" as the business tried to make it through but is now more optimistic about what the refurb and expanded menu could do.

Arran added: "We have really great customers who have been coming in and been regular throughout this time. Our landlord is also a champion of small business.

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"I am feeling apprehensive as for a long time I was on the fence of whether to close it and walk away or put some money in and really push it.

"I think expanding this menu should show we have more variety."

Arran expects to re-open just before the end of the year.