Deli-cious, Darlington wins Northern Echo best coffee shop

Deli-cious, on High Row in the town, was crowned the winner of the competition on Monday (December 22), beating nine other coffee shops in Darlington and County Durham in the process.

Best Coffee Shop winner Deli-cious pictured Landi Shera, Owner Maria Zaimaki, Cora Briggs and Amber Scott (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Owned by Maria Zaimaki and her family, originally from Greece, Deli-cious provides the perfect place in Darlington to stop for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat, according to its customers.

“It’s nice to be recognised by our customers for all of the staff’s hard work,” said Maria.

“This is the greatest Christmas gift, and it comes at such a busy time for us.”

The venue is a family affair, which sees Maria’s husband and children working in the café.

But, according to Maria, the cafe’s customers and regulars are just like family, too.

“We enjoy seeing all of our customers and take the time to chat to them and know them all by name,” added Maria.

Best Coffee Shop winner Deli-cious pictured Landi Shera, Owner Maria Zaimaki, Cora Briggs and Amber Scott (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Deli-cious has a great atmosphere, has great coffee and great staff, and that’s why it’s no surprise that we have the greatest customers around.”

Opening in 2021, the coffee shop has quickly become a notable name in Darlington and is at a central point in the town on High Row, not least because of its unique blend of British and Greek food.

And it’s this mix and relationship with its customer that has put it in the top spot.

When Deli-cious was nominated for The Northern Echo’s Best Coffee Shop competition 2025, the venue manager, Amber Scott, heaped praise on the “welcoming coffee shop’s” regulars for their “incredible support”, adding that independent shops of this kind are vital to serving the communities where they are based.

To win the 2025 competition Deli-cious beat coffee shops including Beehive Coffee Shop & Pantry, Bishop Auckland, Bloom n Witches, Spennymoor, Cactus Café & Kitchen, Darlington, Echo 3 Coffee House & Roastery, Darlington, Hatch Luncheonette, Darlington, MJ’s Cake Café, Middleton St George, Origins Coffee Bar, Darlington, Robinaeu Café & Pattiserie, Darlington, and Viking Coffee, Darlington.

Deli-cious is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 am–5 pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.