Chef Matei Baran is next week (Tuesday, October 29) set to launch the ‘Social Canteen’ within the popular market, serving up two courses for £5 every Tuesday and Wednesday for a limited period between 12pm and 1pm. The 48-year-old - who recently opened his new healthy food truck Natural Health Bar in the market and also manages Haus of Bratwürste - wants to try and attract more people to the site by offering affordable meals. He said: “The market struggles to bring people in especially during the midweek, so I came up with an idea called the ‘Social Canteen’.
Darlington Market “Between 12pm and 2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we'll be offering a £5 two-course meal. It’ll be first come first served, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.” He added: “My battle is to try and beat Greggs! “You’ll not get a better deal than this with £5.
You’ll actually get a very decent meal with good vegetables - and it’s great for people who struggle with their budget too.” An example of how the two-course meal could look (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Michael Harvey, markets manager for Market Asset Management, which manages the site on behalf of Darlington Council, said he’s hoping the new initiative will help bring more people through the door of the market. He said: “It’s a scheme myself and Matei came up with.
Lots of students and workers come here to the market hall. We want to make it cheap and affordable so the students and workers can come and enjoy themse.