Fresh, Darlington crowned Echo’s best sandwich shop

Fresh on Victoria Road, Darlington, has been run by Steve Morgan, 38, for the last three years.

Steve, who trained as a chef after leaving school and has worked in many restaurants, including The Bridge Inn at Stapleton, took it on after noticing it was empty and thought it would be an ideal location for a sandwich bar.

Fresh on Victoria Rd pictured Sam Park, Jade Mitchell and Chloe Hird. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Despite also serving jacket potatoes, paninis, salads and pasta, Fresh is still very much a sandwich bar – and Steve said he believes in keeping decent portion sizes and not charging extra for fillings.

Despite starting Fresh as a side project, it is now his full-time job. 

The team were ecstatic to find out they won after being nominated by their customers. 

Fresh on Victoria Rd pictured Sam Park, Jade Mitchell and Chloe Hird (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Speaking to the Echo, Steve said: “I just want to thank the people who voted. It is all about the customers and keeping them fed in the right way so we are very grateful.”

In a previous interview, he said: “I was working in Victoria Road and had been thinking I couldn’t find a decent place to eat at lunchtime.

“I saw the shop was empty, and it was one of those things I’d always wanted to do, so I took it on. During the lockdown, I got it all sorted. I ripped it all out because it had previously been a chemist.

“I’ve put a lot of high tech gadgets in with the new kitchen, so my jacket potato oven is on a timer which is controlled remotely and it turns on by itself in the night.”

Fresh on Victoria Rd pictured Sam Park, Jade Mitchell and Chloe Hird (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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He continued: “I use super jumbo potatoes, and they slow cook so they are crispy on the outside and so fluffy on the inside. We’re known for doing our big jacket potatoes, they’re definitely a top seller.

“We like coming up with new ideas for fillings, and our customers let us know if it works.

“I always wanted to work for myself, and this allows me the balance for me and my family.”