Member Article

Darlington champagne bar opens following investment

A champagne and cocktail bar designed by a Teesside University graduate has opened in Darlington following investment.

Bar Forno, in the cellar of Al Forno on Skinnergate, is owned by Erdal ‘AJ’ Kuzgun and Liam Percy, who employ 50 staff across their Middlesbrough and Darlington restaurants.

The pair say they hope to create jobs over the next few months.

AJ said: “We are really excited about the new champagne bar and have been able to reinvest and expand the business thanks to the loyalty of our customers over the last couple of years.

“It provides an additional space for people to enjoy a drink both before and after their meal and because it also has an additional entrance on Mechanics’ Yard, we are able to welcome customers who just want to have a drink and not necessarily a meal.“

Interior designer, Patrycja Obalska, said: “This was my first project of this kind since leaving University. My brief was to transform the cellar from a small, dark room into a bright, functional space with a luxury feel.

“To see the bar finished is amazing and I’m truly delighted with the feedback that has been received.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .