With the multi-million pound Feethams Darlington development nearing completion, the first three restaurants at the town’s new leisure complex have now opened – with more set to follow in the coming weeks.
The fantastic Feethams complex features an 80–bed Premier Inn hotel, a state of the art nine-screen cinema and a number of big name restaurants, the first of which – Nando’s, Bella Italia and ‘The Woollen Mill’ Hungry Horse pub – have all now opened.
Property development company Urban&Civic is behind the complex, and have revealed that a sensational grand opening event is being planned for the coming weeks. Simon Hawkins, Development Director with Urban&Civic, said the company was delighted that the first restaurants had now opened at Feethams.
“These restaurant openings mean that we have very nearly completed the first part of our journey in bringing a complete entertainment complex to the town,” he said. “Part of our plan was to ensure we offered the people of Darlington a variety of quality dining options when they visited the complex, and we’re thrilled that those plans are now coming to fruition.”
Creating the first of more than 200 jobs across the leisure complex, the restaurants mark the beginning of the phased opening of individual eateries in the run-up to the grand opening event in a few weeks’ time. “The Feethams development is one that we are all incredibly proud of,” said Simon. “We have just a small amount of work left to do before the remainder of our tenants open for business.”
Hot on the heels of Nando’s opening at the end of April, The Woollen Mill – named in reference to the Pease’s Mill and the importance of the wool industry in Darlington’s history – opened for the first time today (Monday, 11 April). Marc McGuigan, business unit director for Hungry Horse, said: “At Hungry Horse we pride ourselves in creating welcoming atmospheres and offering big value and unrivalled choice for all of the family.
“We are very excited to bring our big value, family-friendly pub to the development and we hope to see the Woollen Mill become an important part of the community.”
Bella Italia also opened its doors today, offering a taste of Italy to Darlington. Bella Darlington General Manager Indira Singh, said: “The buzzing Feethams Leisure Complex will be a prime destination to all with so many new choices, and those visiting Bella will be treated to our great menu, fabulous new restaurant and a team that can’t wait to serve the people of Darlington. It’s ideal for people of all ages and those that like to enjoy a great dinner before or after their trip to the cinema.”
Simon Hawkins added: “With Nando’s opening at the end of March and both Bella Italia and the Woollen Mill opening today, the next exciting stage of this development will see the launch of further restaurants, the hotel ready to accommodate guests and the cinema opening its doors.
“We’ll then be staging a special celebratory event to mark the grand opening of the complex as a whole, which we’re sure will be a huge hit with the people of Darlington.”
Nando’s restaurant, Bella Italia and the Woollen Mill Hungry Horse are now open at the multi-million pound Feethams leisure complex. Opening offers, information and further opening dates will be announced in local press and on the Feethams website, www.feethamsdarlington.co.uk.