“We've always wanted our own cafe and to do something a bit different. We use different blends of coffee and everyone needs to try the hot sand option.”
— Mariana Cirimpei
Our Story
Influence Cafe opened in 2018 on Skinnergate in the heart of Darlington town centre and is a cafe with a difference. Formed by husband and wife team, Catalin & Mariana Cirimpei who have worked in the industry for over 15 years.
The cafe offers a range of hot drinks including 14 different types of loose tea, nitrogen coffee and hot sand coffee, which is brewed using a pan filled with sand and is heated over an open flame. There's also a choice of freshly made sandwiches, salads, gluten free & vegan cakes and cold drinks on display and these are available as a takeout option too.
Catalin has worked in many top establishments including Rockliffe Hall and is also an artist and his own artwork is displayed in the cafe. For art lovers you can browse around the walls of the cafe which also features artwork for sale from other local artists from the area.
The couple are delighted to be bringing a new kind of cafe to the town and hope to expand in the near future.
