Local hospitality businesses are raising a glass to the growing community at our Middleton Waters development and the positive impact it's having on village life.
"We are welcoming new regulars each week, and there's a real buzz throughout the village," said local restaurateur Leila Ghanadi-Proctor, owner of Leila's Authentico Italiano.
Leila, a trained skincare specialist, opened her authentic Italian café and restaurant during the pandemic after her nearby salon became a hub for takeaway coffee lovers.
"During lockdown, we had clients who said they missed our coffee as much as anything, so we started selling it from the door – and everything grew from there." Leila explained.
Since Middleton Waters began welcoming new families, Leila's has evolved from a cosy café into a thriving evening venue.
"Now, between Thursday and Saturday, we open late with skilled chefs creating real, authentic Italian meals," said Leila.
"We have a lovely range of customers – including a lot of families – and Middleton Waters has really solidified the community feeling in this village."
At Homes by Carlton, we have built a strong reputation over the past two decades for creating quality new homes across the North East, designed to bring people and places together.
Just a short walk away from Middleton Waters sits The Devonport, an 18th-century hotel, pub and restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere, dog-friendliness and fantastic menu.
Managed by the award-winning team behind The Bay Horse at Hurworth and Cena of Yarm, The Devonport has also seen a rise in trade and new faces thanks to the growing community.
"There's always been a great sense of community here, but the development has brought so much," said Jenny Porter, General Manager at The Devonport.
"We've got some lovely families settling in and it has really helped the local businesses."
From popular steak nights to family Sunday dinners, The Devonport has quickly become a go-to spot for Middleton Waters residents such as Chris, Louise and Pam.
"We've seen so many new faces, and it's lovely meeting customers discovering us for the first time," they added.
"Middleton Waters has brought a warm energy to the area and we're proud to play our part in local life."
For us here at Homes by Carlton, stories like these highlight how thoughtful, community-focused developments can enrich entire areas.
"Middleton Waters isn't just bricks and mortar, it's about creating places where people want to live, belong and make memories," said Lee Bradford, Sales Manager at Homes by Carlton.
"When you buy a home, you're buying a place within a community – and the stories from Leila's and The Devonport show how developments like Middleton Waters can help villages and local businesses thrive."
He added: "Every one of our sites is about more than houses. They're about people and the lifestyle that comes with living there."
"Middleton Waters is proof that when you get it right, the entire area benefits – and that's something everyone at Homes by Carlton is incredibly proud of."
Perfectly located for those searching for new homes near Darlington, Middleton Waters offers an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of a welcoming community.
To book a showhome appointment, click here or call us on 0333 034 1355.