PEOPLE often say you should not work with your family but it has proved a recipe for success for two brothers and their mum.

James and Phillip Robson, along with mother Christine, pooled their ambition and experience to open the Hash bar and restaurant, in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington.

For the past three years, the Robson family has run a sandwich and coffee bar in Yarm.

This initial venture gave them the catering experience and contacts they needed to take the business a step further.

When the opportunity arose to take on the lease for premises at number 14 Coniscliffe Road, they jumped at the chance to expand their enterprise.

James, who managed a pub when he was 19, runs the bar and acts as front of house, whereas his brother, Phillip, a self-taught chef, works with Christine in the kitchen preparing a wide range of high quality cuisine.

James said: "The sandwich bar in Yarm acted as a springboard for Hash.

"My brother and I have always learnt by experience, picking things up from others in the trade and also from first-hand experience."