Meet & Marrow launches to the public on Duke Street, Darlington

Meet & Marrow, run by childhood friends Nicola Patterson and Axel Tucker, held a soft opening event on Saturday (February 14) on Duke Street, before they welcome customers fully on Monday (February 16).

The café was due to open at Firthmoor Community Centre last September, but this never came to fruition after the duo decided the location was not right for their long-term plans.

Axel Tucker & Nicola Patterson who have opened Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

However, in November 2025 the business partners secured a new home on Duke Street.

Following months of work and a full refurbishment, the café held its soft launch, with owner Nicola calling the launch day “incredible.”

She said: “It was such an incredible day. I feel wired, but I’m also absolutely shattered as well.

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Today was the first day the team all worked together, and what a team. I’m so proud of them. The staff all came together today and worked so hard. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them.”

The first customers tucked into dishes including the ‘Big Axe’ breakfast, Gyros Bowl and ‘Steggs’ steak and eggs on Saturday. Other dishes include sandwiches, soup, jacket potatoes and protein boxes.

Steak and eggs, or ‘Steggs’. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

After a stressful few months of securing a new location, finding a team and carrying out refurbishments, Nicola said the new venue was the “right fit” for the business.

She said: “It just feels so right, like this is what was always supposed to happen. We eventually got there in the end, and it was just about not giving up.

“If it was just a café, I don’t think I would have pushed for it so much but it’s the message behind it that kept me going.

“We want families to come and get food that not only tastes good but is also good for them. If I get just one person a day leaving here rethinking what they’re putting on their plate, then my work here is done.”

See the full menu

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Speaking to The Northern Echo last week, business partner Axel Tucker admitted the journey had been emotional.

He said: “Two weeks ago, before the last thing was on the wall, I was feeling a bit of pressure. Once that was done, the feeling went and I was quite emotional.

“When everyone left, I stayed at the café for more than two hours, and I just stood and cried.”

After a successful soft launch, Nicola said she was “overwhelmed” by the positive response.

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

She said: “So many people brought us flowers, cards and plants, everyone’s just been lovely.

“There was one man who came in at the end of the day and said, ‘What a blessing. There is nowhere like this.’ – I nearly cried after he said that.”

The chef cooks up a steak. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Ahead of their official opening on Monday (February 16), Nicola admitted she is feeling a bit nervous.

Meet and Marrow say all their meat is grass-fed and sourced from a local butcher. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

She said: “I’m a little nervous, but I’ve just got such a good feeling about it as well. I am concerned the café isn’t big enough as it was so busy today and I hate turning people away, but we are hoping to expand and franchise the business eventually.

“I’m so proud of Axel and I for getting this far, it’s not been an easy journey, but it’s confirmed that we are such a good team. He’s my best mate and my business partner. It’s a really nice healthy balance.”

Meet & Marrow on Duke Street, Darlington, will open to the public for the first time on Monday, February 16.