Darlington’s first cat café The Cat’s Den opening today

The Cat’s Den, on High Northgate, in the former Only Scrans building, will welcome customers from 11am on Friday (September 19).

The Cat’s Den Coffee House opens in Darlington pictured owners Brett and Liz Handley(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Visitors will be able to enjoy drinks and snacks while spending time with seven resident cats.

Entry costs £6 per person for an hour to help “keep on top of the cats and give them the best care”, and children under six are not permitted.

Owner Liz Handley with one of her cats set to feature in the cafe(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The venue on High Northgate.(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Owner Liz Handley, who lives in Darlington, said it is “her dream” to launch the café. She added: “I have always wanted to do something like this as it is something different and I just love the cats.

“I have had the idea for a long time, and I am glad to see it is starting to come to life.

“It has been a long wait now and we are so excited to open our doors and welcome people.”

The Cat’s Den Coffee House opens in Darlington(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The café will feature eight of Liz’s domestic cats; Tigger, Leo, Garfield, Big Lad, Sparky, Oreo, Fury and Diesel.

Themenu includes shortcake, muffins, sandwiches, crisps and sweets, alongside hot drinks, milkshakes, cans and bottled water with prices from 50p.

The Cat’s Den Coffee House opens in Darlington(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Cat’s Den Coffee House opens in Darlington(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Customers must follow strict house rules designed to keep the cats safe, including no picking them up, no disturbing them while sleeping and no feeding them human food, but treats are available to buy.

The Cat’s Den Coffee House opens in Darlington(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Shoe coverings and hand sanitiser are also mandatory on entry.

The café is at 12 High Northgate, Darlington. Bookings can be made online at catsdencoffeeshop.com.

It will be open from 11am til 6pm daily.