Providing award winning catering services

Our award winning UKAS accredited catering services team provide patients, staff and visitors with nutritionally balanced menus that are designed to meet the diverse needs of all of our users.

From our Central Production Unit (CPU) based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, we provide over 1.3 million meals every year that are served across the majority of our sites.

This high quality service is based on the ability, training, and commitment of our staff that are responsible for the provision of these services and the ongoing clear commitment to ensuring continuous improvement to the catering services that are provided.

Patient menus

Patients are offered 3 meals a day and a range of biscuits are available on the ward to offer as snacks with a beverage service between meals.

Breakfast

Items are available on the ward, including a selection of porridge, cereals, white and wholemeal bread with spread and a selection of preserves.

Lunch and evening meals 

We provide a three course meal  service offering a starter of fruit juice or soup, followed by a selection of individual meals with hot and cold options, such as jacket potato with fillings, vegan and vegetarian meals, side salad selections, sandwiches and complete salad meals. Dessert at lunch includes a selection of both hot and cold choices. 
 
We also have a range of Texture Modified Menus for patients with clinically diagnosed Dysphagia. These meet the International Descriptors for Dysphagia diets.

A choice of meals is also available to meet certain cultural or religious requirements, including Kosher, African Caribbean and Multi-Cultural. 

Our dedicated Catering Services team also provide a 24/7 meal service for a missed meal, late admission or if a patient requires further meals - both hot and cold selections and snack boxes are available.

We encourage everyone to ask before ordering.

All allergen information is available upon request; please ask for any information before ordering your food. Alternatively, if you have a food allergy or other special dietary constraint and would like specific information on the ingredients of meals or snacks provided, please feel free to contact us: 01325 743309 or 01325 743637

Retail services

We have a number of different catering outlets across our hospital sites, providing refreshments, snacks or meals while you are staying with us or if you are visiting a loved one. 

Hollies Restaurant

Located on the lower ground floor, Hollies offers a daily breakfast service from 8am-11am, including breakfast rolls, wraps and cooked breakfast. Meal deals are available, as well as a range of hot and cold beverages. A salad bar and deli bar are available from 9am-2pm daily, offering a wide range of hot and cold sandwiches and fresh and tasty salad items. Lunch service begins at 11:30am-2pm, offering tasty nutritional meals, as well as a daily call bar service which includes burgers, stir fry, carvery, a range of wraps and hand battered fish and chips. Dine in and out options are available.

Hollies opening times

Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays - closed

Event catering 

Hollies also offers hospitality services, catering for all your needs for any event, with delivery also available. Please email: cdda-tr.catering@nhs.net or call: 01325 743637 for more information.

Café Quick

Located on the ground floor, Café Quick is the perfect place for hot and cold refreshments. Café Quick stocks a wide range of hot and cold sandwiches, toasties,  paninis as well as salad boxes and a selection of ready meals to-go. There's also a tasty selection of tray bake cakes and homemade scones. Dine in and out options are available.

Café Quick opening times

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-7:30pm
Saturday-Sunday, 8am-6:30pm

Café H

Located at the main entrance, Café H is a one stop shop, perfect for hot and cold beverages, fresh cream cakes, sandwiches and confectionery. Perfect to grab and go but also offering a range of dine-in options.

Café H opening times

Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays - closed

Vending machines
24 hour food and drink vending services are available at the main entrance of the hospital and on the following levels 1,2,4,5 and 6 of the hospital.

Saffrey’s Restaurant

Saffrey’s is located on level 2, directly outside the lift area, and accessible via stairs or lift. The restaurant is open Monday-Sunday, 7:30am to 7pm.

  • Breakfast: 7:30am - 11:15am
  • Lunch: 11:45am - 2pm
  • Grab & Go is available every day from 7:30am - 7pm

Alternatively, please use the Coffee Club takeaway unit (Sunday - Saturday 7:30am-7pm) situated at the main reception entrance, next to the shop. Vending facilities are also available at the main entrance located adjacent to the Emergency Department.

Chimneys Restaurant

Chimneys Restaurant is located at the main entrance to the hospital, opposite outpatients.

The restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 8am – 3.45pm.

  • Breakfast: 8am-10.45am
  • Lunch: 11:45am - 2pm
  • Grab & Go is available every day 8am – 3.45pm

Vending facilities are also available within Chimneys Restaurant and within Urgent Care.

Your feedback matters

Help us improve the service in our restaurants by telling us about your experiences - you’ll find survey cards available in our restaurants. Alternatively, just ask to speak to a member of our catering teams if you have any comments or concerns.