Member Article

Maggie's Place is dream come true

A former air hostess is aiming to bring sky high service to the streets of Darlington after opening her own coffee shop.

Maggie Lock, who has also worked as an estate agent, opened Maggie’s Place to provide what she calls “a proper coffee shop” experience for customers.

The new business, in Duke Street, has created two jobs for staff serving coffee, tea and cakes, and light lunches.

Maggie, 52, who lives in Darlington and has two teenage children, said: “I’m very happy to be running my own coffee shop as it’s been a long-standing ambition of mine.

“I’ve enjoyed a variety of careers, but for some time it’s been a goal to set up on my own business. Having worked at a local hotel for two years, the experience has certainly helped me in setting up in these early days.”

She worked with Neil Stevenson, a partner in Darlington-based Latimer Hinks Solicitors’ commercial property department, to complete the legal work on her lease after finding suitable premises for the shop.

Neil said: “We reviewed and negotiated the terms of the lease to ensure that Maggie could start her business when she was in a position to do so. As a firm, we’re very pleased to be involved in making someone’s dreams a reality, and that Maggie’s new venture is going so well.

“It’s vital that anyone seeking to lease a commercial property has the benefit of expert legal advice to review and negotiate the terms of the lease. Even when heads of terms have been agreed, a good solicitor will ensure that the lease is going to be an asset rather than a liability.”

Maggie added: “Latimer Hinks’ Neil Stevenson was excellent. He was very supportive and professional and has helped me fulfil my ambition.

“Although it’s very early days yet, Maggie’s Place is already attracting a loyal customer base, and I’m very excited about the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Karen Dent .