The owner of a Darlington café said its coffee blend and customers are the "secret" behind its inclusion in The Northern Echo’s Best Coffee Shop 2025 shortlist.

Origins Coffee Bar might be one of several food spots on Grange Road, but its faithful combination of hot drinks and cakes seems to be a winning combination for its customers.

Serving customers seven days a week, Origins owner Darren Syddall says the staff and customers "make it all worth it".

Admitting that the venue doesn't normally get nominated or shortlisted for accolades, Mr Syddall said he was "honoured" to get shortlisted by its customers for the Echo top 10.

Megan Adamson of Origins coffee shop, Darlington (Image: Stuart Boulton)

"We have a great community feel to the coffee shop - the staff who work in here are loca

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