Latimer Hinks, one of the North East’s leading law firms, is proud to have helped establish a thriving new business in Darlington town centre.
Jasmin and Phil Robson, owners of Hash Bar and Kitchen on Coniscliffe Road, turned to the firm after deciding to breathe new life into an empty building by creating continental-style luncheonette, Hatch.
Rosanne Tweddle, Senior Solicitor at Latimer Hinks – a major supporter of the ‘I’m Backing Darlington’ campaign – acted on the couple’s behalf throughout the commercial property purchase.
She said: “We want to support and encourage entrepreneurial spirit and local businesses in whatever way we can and so we were delighted to be involved.
“Our business has been in Darlington for more than 125 years so it is very gratifying to play a part in establishing a new and exciting venture which provides hope for the future.”
The ‘I’m Backing Darlington’ campaign was launched to unite the town’s businesses and develop initiatives to counter the effects of the impending closure of flagship stores Binns and Marks & Spencer. Chief Executive of Latimer Hinks, Anne Elliott, is part of the group that pioneered the initiative.
Anne said: “Latimer Hinks has retained its base in Darlington, in the heart of the town and it is good to see young entrepreneurial businesses like Hash and Hatch, thriving. We need to encourage more businesses to expand and establish themselves here and to support each other.”
The Robson family set up Hash Bar and Kitchen 13 years ago and were interested in launching a new business in the former Thomas Cook office, which had been vacant for two years.
Former Darlington police officer Jasmin said: “It’s more or less in the town centre and gets great footfall so when it came up for sale we decided to seize the opportunity.”
The light and airy Hatch, on Blackwellgate, is inspired by the various culinary delights the couple discovered on their travels.
It offers a range of brunch-style snacks – including a range of imaginatively-filled sandwiches, bowls and toasted creations, together with a charcuterie board and a variety of cakes and pastries. It uses both locally and ethically-sourced produce whenever possible.
“We wanted to create something a little different. We have tried to take inspiration from wherever we have travelled, including Italy and New York.”
The couple, who also support the ‘I’m Backing Darlington’ campaign, chose Latimer Hinks to represent them because of their excellent reputation and town centre location.
“They were very helpful and liaised with the property agents and were able to resolve a couple of issues which arose,” added Jasmin.
“We both come from Darlington and we wouldn’t want to open Hatch anywhere else. It’s a brilliant place but the switch to internet shopping means things are changing and in future the town centre is likely to become more of a social and leisure destination.
“We hope Hatch will become a firm favourite with residents and draw people in from a wider area and play a part in contributing to the continued vibrancy of Darlington town centre.”