The many faces of A66 former Starbucks site near Darlington
The drive-thru on the A66 near Darlington most recently operated as a Starbucks.
Just outside of Sadberge, the site has had a long and varied history over the past four decades.
Starbucks (2024-2025)
Starbucks opened their coffee shop in July 2024, but it closed in October 2025, lasting just over a year.
At the time, a spokesman for Starbucks said: “We regularly review our portfolio to ensure our stores are relevant for our customers.
“Our Starbucks coffeehouse in Darlington is now closed, and we thank our customers for their loyalty over the years and invite them to find their nearest store on the Starbucks store locator.”
Tulip (2022-2023)
Before Starbucks, the site was home to Tulip, an Indian restaurant that operated between 2022 and 2023.
The restaurant closed in 2023 without a public statement.
Akbar Dynasty (2001-2021)
Akbar Dynasty ran at the location from 2001 to 2021.
It became a well-known curry house but closed following a series of problems.
In 2021, the restaurant apologised after receiving a one-star food hygiene rating.
Inspectors found more than a dozen failings, including dirty equipment, poorly stored raw meat, and contamination risks.
The restaurant’s owner then lost his license just weeks before a planned reopening after it was found he had hired illegal workers.
Immigration officers had raided the site several times.
In 2019 officers said they spotted men leave the kitchen as they entered the restaurant. Later, a man was found hiding in toilets and another was discovered sitting in the restaurant area, pretending to be a customer, with red-stained hands and curry sauce on his clothes.
Little Chef (mid-1980s-2001)
Before Akbar Dynasty, the site operated as a Little Chef restaurant from the mid-1980s until its closure in 2001.
Little Chef was popular for its Olympic Breakfast, a full English option, as well as its Early Starter, Jubilee Pancakes, and sirloin steak.
The menu also included toasted sandwiches and a children’s menu featuring crispy fish fingers and French fried potatoes.
Many still remember the restaurant fondly, including its tradition of offering complimentary newspapers to diners.