Darlington baker to open elegant new tearoom The Garden Room

Jane Bretal has announced plans to open The Garden Room, bringing a touch of elegance with the “perfect place to unwind” over tea and cakes.

After more than 25 years experience as a chef and catering manager, the new business marks the next step in her baking career, which first began during the pandemic.

She said: “I first started baking celebration cakes during Covid and since then I’ve built up my patisserie business.

“A couple of years ago I opened a cake shed, known as Patisserie by Jane, and it just grew from there.

“It has been so popular since opening, but I wanted something more permanent, a place people can come and sit, relax and enjoy.”

Jane, who has lived in Darlington for more than 20 years but is originally from Hartlepool, said she spotted a gap in the market for a high-quality tearoom.

The 56-year-old said: “I’ve always found there’s a bit of a shortage of nice places to go in Darlington.

“I wanted to create somewhere that feels really special, somewhere people walk into and think, ‘wow this is lovely’.

“It’s going to be a garden-style space, set back from the road, and we’ve got outdoor seating too.

“I wanted something that felt calm and inviting, somewhere people can really enjoy the whole experience, not just the food.”

Ai image of what the new tea room will look like. (Image: Jane Bretal)

The Garden Room will offer a range of homemade bakes, light meals and breakfasts with everything made fresh on site.

Customers can expect everything from brownies, blondies, cupcakes, freshly baked scones and pastries.

There will also be a lunchtime menu including paninis, bagels and sandwiches with breakfast options such as bacon and sausage sandwiches from 7am.

Jane said: “Everything will be made fresh every day, and customers can be assured nothing will be bought in, it will all be homemade.

“We’ll keep things changing so there’s always something new to try.”

The tearoom will also cater for special occasions, with plans for afternoon teas, baby showers and themed events in the future.

After deciding to leave her full-time role as a catering manager last September, Jane said focusing on her baking business full-time has been “the best decision”.

She said: “It was a big step after so many years, but it’s worked out really well. It was scary at first but taking the leap has been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Renovation work on the premises is currently underway with the final touches remaining before Jane takes over the keys.

While the exact location is currently being kept under wraps for now, Jane said it is in a central Darlington spot that many residents will recognise and is expected to open within the next four to six weeks.

The venue will also have free parking, and customers can bring their pooches along while they have a bite to eat.

While an official opening date has not yet been announced, Jane said customers should keep their eyes peeled for further updates on social media.

She said: “It’s all starting to feel real now and I’m really excited for people to see it.

“There’s nothing quite like it in Darlington at the moment, and I can’t wait for people to come along and try it.”