Design graduate helps bar add some fizz to Darlington

Darlington champagne and cocktail bar Bar Forno has opened its doors following investment and refurbishment, involving a Teesside University graduate.

The bar, situated in the cellar of Al Forno on Skinnergate, was designed by Teesside University graduate and interior designer Patrycja Obalska.

BA (Hons) Interior Design graduate Patrycja 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.'

Bar owners, Erdal 'AJ' Kuzgun and Liam Percy, who employ 50 members of staff across its award winning Middlesbrough and Darlington restaurants, have increased their team by four and hope to further increase the numbers of staff 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.'

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

---