Shape Patisserie opens ‘unique’ store in Darlington market
Shape, a bakery and patisserie school, opened on Friday (May 18) and after a “promising” opening weekend, owner Catalin Cirimpei is looking forward to bringing ‘something new’ to Darlington.
“We are creating something that is not in the area,” the 44-year-old, who runs the business with his wife Mariana, said.
“It will benefit the community amazingly in the town centre. There isn’t a patisserie around the town centre, so this is really unique.”
A family business, it is located on the East Row side of Darlington market place, Shape is one of four businesses in the town owned by Mr Cirimpei and has been a few years in the making.
(Image: The Northern Echo) “The idea came about three-and-a-half years ago,” he said.
“This unit was empty for over four years, and this corner [of the street] was really dead.”
Mr Cirimpei hopes that the patisserie will be a “unique” spot in the town, with plans underway to collaborate with Darlington College and the council to offer bakery and breadmaking classes for people of all ages.
(Image: The Northern Echo) “It’s going to be a massive enterprise,” he said.
“The council runs at the moment an adult skills programme, which can enrol with what we offer.”
Β (Image: The Northern Echo)Β Inside the venue, tables are located in the middle and left of the store, with the bakery school taking a prominent position on the right of the shop – it culminates in aΒ relaxed vibe inside the cafe with views of the bakers crafting their work.
“I did some research and there’s nothing around like this in the North East.
“We don’t have this locally.”
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It is the latest new vendor to open at the market on the back of Marketplace Fish and Chips and Italian deli Bodega Deliza which was set up last month.
Michael Harvey, Darlington Marketβs manager, said: βItβs fantastic to see such a strong demand for the available units at Darlington Market.
βThese new openings are a clear reflection of our ambition to create a space that celebrates a traditional market while looking to the future and catering for the demands of our customers.”