The owner of a popular Darlington café, who is 'battling against the big chains' of the town, is vying to become The Northern Echo's Best Coffee Shop 2025.

Ignas Darkintis, from Viking Coffee, only opened the business 19 months ago, but says that winning this year's Echo accolade would be a "perfect" conclusion to 2025.

Opening in 2024 next to Darlington's indoor market, Viking Coffee has become a go-to name in the town for hot drinks, sweet treats, sandwiches, pies and much more.

At the coffee shop, you can get the usual lattes, flat whites, and hot chocolates, but can also pick up a Spanish version of the drinks with condensed milk, alongside seasonal drinks.

Viking Coffee prides itself on linking with other independent businesses, sourcing its milk from Acorn Dairies, based on the o

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