I tried brunch at Maggie’s on Duke Street in Darlington

I’m new to Darlington and everyone I have met has raved about Maggie’s and I did not know what to expect but very happy that the sunny spring weather pushed me to go outside.

Maggie’s Coffee and Kitchen in Duke Street, Darlington. (Image: STUART BOULTON) Friends would describe me as a brunch and coffee connoisseur and love to try out new places so I was eager to experience Maggie’s for myself.

I called up to see if there was table availability as requested on the venue’s Facebook and headed down to the town’s Duke Street, where Maggie’s is situated.

The weather was grand thanks to it now being officially spring and it was lovely to walk up to Maggie’s and see customers sitting inside and outside enjoying the sunshine.

I waited for a matter of minutes before being sat at a lovely table which allowed me a panoramic view of the café.

Inside Maggie’s Coffee and Kitchen (Image: GRACE BOYLE) There are eight to ten tables inside and three outside for punters to sit at – but they do also provide takeaways.

The vibes of the place were great. I appreciated the décor and cleanliness of the café, specifically the fairy light ceiling and the free books to pick up and read on the window sills.

Also music was the perfect level in which customers can still hear themselves and still have a relaxing ambience with the background songs.

I worked in hospitality for six years so have seen the ups and down of service throughout the day. Staff at Maggie’s, though busy, were still fantastic in their service even when they were wrapping up for the day at 3pm.

Inside Maggie’s Coffee and Kitchen (Image: GRACE BOYLE) For me, this is a slight awkward fit into the work day with the kitchen closing at 2pm. I think these would be the peak hours of business for Maggie’s, but from what the waitress told be about running out of mushrooms for the Shakshuka, it must work well for them!

The way I would describe the menu is what the ‘Tiktokers’ call the gentrified brunch menu from waffle stacks, vegan breakfasts and everything on top of sourdough bread.

The best sellers on the menu according to staff are ‘The B.E.C’ which is bacon, egg and cheese on sourdough, the Buttermilk Waffles which I had and Pulled pork, cheese and Nduja naughty fries.

The buttermilk waffled I went for (Image: GRACE BOYLE) The presentation of the food was impressive and very tasty- it definitely satisfied my sweet tooth. I would say the serving size was perfect for my moderate appetite, but I do think others would think it slightly on the smaller side.

The waitress was professional and attentive, offering me recommendations and modifications to my drinks order. This was a chai latte with vanilla syrup and coconut milk and the latter definitely balanced out the sweetness. Shout out to Char’s chai latte- 10/10.

The chai latte I ordered (Image: GRACE BOYLE)  I met the lovely dog Pippin the Cavapoo and enjoyed speaking to the owners about Darlington and their day whilst they scraped their plates clean. The atmosphere was lovely and I was sad to leave.

My only slight cause for concern was the price for two waffles with banana and a latte, arriving at a total of £17.20.

Now, I know we are all struggling with the cost of living crisis, and we want to protect our smaller businesses, but this was a little high for my personal liking.

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However, I believe Maggie’s Coffee and Kitchen is a lovely treat every once in a while and does deserve the applause and recognition.

Maggie’s Coffee + Kitchen. Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9am to 3pm. Kitchen closes at 2pm.

For more information follow: maggiedukestreet on Facebook.