Italian Restaurant Owners Bring New Café Experience to Durham Dales Centre

Visitors to the Durham Dales Centre can look forward to a new Italian-inspired café, as a well-established family-run restaurant business prepares to open its latest venture at the popular Weardale destination. 

Alberto and Sen with Business Durham's Anne Ellwood at The Dales Centre

The new café is being launched by Admir Meshi, known as Alberto, and Arsen Jakupi, known as Sen, experienced restaurateurs with a strong track record in delivering authentic Italian food and a welcoming, family-led approach to hospitality.

With more than 15 years of experience running a successful Italian restaurant – Buon Appetito in Wolsingham, the family-run business is now expanding into the Durham Dales Centre, bringing authentic food, extended opening hours and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and the local community. 

From Restaurant Success to a New Venture 

The team behind the new café already operate a well-established Italian restaurant, built on traditional recipes, family values and a strong connection with their local community. 

Having worked in hospitality previously, opening their own restaurant was a natural next step. Since launching, the business has grown steadily, becoming a popular destination for both locals and visitors. 

“Our restaurant is a family business, and we focus on what we know best - authentic Italian food made with care,” they explain. “Our menu is built around traditional family recipes, bringing authentic flavours and a distinctive offering for customers.” 

Over the years, the restaurant has also played an important role in the local community, employing young people and supporting their development. 

“One of the things we’re most proud of is employing local young people. We’ve seen many of them grow and thrive, and some still keep in touch with us years later. That’s been really rewarding.” 

A New Opportunity at Durham Dales Centre 

The opportunity to take on the café at the Durham Dales Centre came at the right time for the business, offering a chance to expand while building on their experience. 

Despite some initial nerves about launching a new venture, the team say they feel confident about bringing their experience to the new location. 

The team are looking forward to the new venture, bringing their experience and enthusiasm to the new location. 

“We have mixed feelings, but mostly excitement. We know what we’re doing now, and we’re looking forward to delivering something special.” 

The response from the local community has also helped confirm their decision. 

“We’ve been really surprised by how supportive people have been. As soon as word spread, people came to say how glad they were that we’re opening. That’s really motivated us.” 

A Fresh Offer for Visitors 

The new café will offer a flexible, Italian-inspired menu designed to suit visitors throughout the day. 

Opening from 10am, the café will serve coffee and breakfast options including croissants, paninis and freshly prepared light bites. As the day progresses, the menu will expand to include pasta, pizza, sandwiches and desserts. 

“We want to offer something different and create a place where everyone feels welcome, whether it’s for a quick coffee, lunch, or a relaxed evening meal.” 

The team also plan to keep the menu accessible and affordable. 

“We know things are tough at the moment, so we want to keep prices reasonable and make sure everyone can enjoy what we offer.” 

Enhancing the Durham Dales Centre Experience 

The business believes the new café will complement the existing offer at the Durham Dales Centre and help create a more vibrant destination throughout the day and into the evening. 

“We think it will fit very well. We want to help create more activity, from early morning through to evening, giving people more reasons to visit and stay longer.” 

The café will cater to a wide range of visitors, including walkers, shoppers, families and tourists exploring Weardale. 

“We want a menu that works for everyone, whether they’re popping in for coffee, lunch, or coming with family for an evening meal.” 

Working with Business Durham 

The owners also highlighted the support they’ve received throughout the process. 

“The support has been fantastic. Business Durham has been really helpful every step of the way and made things much easier for us. We can’t thank them enough.” 

Plans are also underway to refresh the café space, creating a welcoming environment while maintaining a relaxed feel. 

“It will be comfortable and welcoming, not too extravagant, but fresh and inviting.” 

Looking Ahead 

As preparations continue, the team are excited to bring their experience and passion to the Durham Dales Centre. 

“We’re really looking forward to opening and becoming part of the community here. We want to create somewhere people can enjoy, whether they’re local or visiting the area.” 

With authentic Italian food, flexible opening hours and a focus on community, the new café is set to become a welcome addition to the Durham Dales Centre. 

Anne Ellwood, Property Manager (South) at Business Durham, which manages the Durham Dales Centre, welcomed the new addition and highlighted how it will enhance the visitor offer said: 

“We’re delighted to welcome this new Italian café to the Durham Dales Centre. Their experience, passion for authentic food and strong community focus will bring something fresh to the centre and further enhance the offer for visitors. It’s a great addition that will complement the existing businesses and encourage people to spend more time exploring everything the Durham Dales Centre has to offer.” 

Find out more about everything the Durham Dales Centre has to offer — from independent shops and cafés to flexible office space - by visiting the website: https://www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk/