A Darlington café which opened just 18 months ago has been named the "best" in the town after receiving glowing reviews from its customers.
The Pear & Olive, in the heart of Cockerton, has been awarded "best café in Darlington" in the Quality Business Awards 2026.
Owner Sue Oates took over the premises in January 2025 before giving the café a complete revamp and opening its doors in April that year.
Now, around a year and a half later, the independent business has received the award, which Sue said she was told was based on the café maintaining more than 95 per cent positive customer reviews.
The recognition came as such a surprise that Sue initially thought the email telling her about the award might be a scam.
She said: “I didn't realise there was such an award. I just received an email to let us know that we had been recognised and awarded the best café in Darlington.
“Initially, I thought it was a scam email, but when I looked into it, it was a genuine platform.
“I then contacted them and they confirmed it was genuine and it had been based on our Google reviews.
The Pear & Olive pictured Aimee Gibson and DJ Davies Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
“I think it was, she said, over 95 per cent positive reviews, which was nice. It was a lovely surprise.”
Sue said the recognition means a great deal to the small team behind the café, with around four people working at any one time.
She added: “They've all worked really hard to help me get this. We're a really small team.”
When Sue heard that the previous operator of the café premises was considering closing, she spotted an opportunity and decided to take it on.
The Pear & Olive now offers a brunch and lunch menu featuring Ottolenghi-inspired salads alongside homemade dishes, frittatas, pork rolls, cakes and speciality coffee.
Sue said its full cooked breakfast is particularly popular, while hot honey halloumi and shakshuka are also among customers' favourites.
She said running a hospitality business in the current climate can be challenging, but the café's regular customers and close-knit community make the hard work worthwhile.
“I think in the current climate, it is very challenging,” she said.
“I think hospitality in general is challenging at the moment, but we all enjoy it. I think you have to enjoy what you're doing and we all, as a team, enjoy it.
“I think we've got really, really lovely customers and I think we're an important part of the community. There are a lot of regular faces.
“Cockerton has got a real village vibe to it. It's a really nice village vibe, a busy little place.”
The Pear & Olive pictured Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Sue also paid tribute to her friend Alison Matthias, who helped her transform the café before it opened.
“She helped me every single step of the way, from sanding wood to choosing paint, crockery, glasses, social media and the website,” Sue said.
“She has helped me every single step of the way and I couldn't have done it without her.”
Customers have also praised The Pear & Olive online, with one Tripadvisor reviewer describing the food and service as “always excellent” and praising its “lovely atmosphere” and “friendly staff”.
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Another regular said they and their friends “always enjoy coming here”, adding that the café can become so busy they would recommend booking a table when visiting as a group.
Reacting to its award on Facebook, The Pear & Olive thanked those who had taken the time to leave reviews, saying the recognition was particularly meaningful because the feedback had come from people who had visited the café.
The business added that it was “genuinely chuffed” to receive the accolade.