Radgie’s set to open its doors on Friday in Darlington

Radgie’s, a new takeaway and street food style venue, has announced its opening date for this Friday (February 13), taking to social media saying: “See you Friday RADGIES.”

The unusually named takeaway with a bright pink pop of colour is the brainchild of Darlington-based owner Ishy Miah, who learnt the trade working at his dad’s long-established venue Café Spice.

The 23-year-old owner said the new venture has been years in the making.

Radgie’s is opening this Friday. (Image: RADGIES)

He said: “I’ve been working in hospitality since I was about 13 years old. My family run restaurants, so I thought it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m a really big fan of unique, tasty food such as smash burgers, Nashville chicken and unique pizzas.

“I thought this is the kind of food I’d want in a town and what you’d find in big cities like Newcastle. So, I thought, all this would do really well in Darlington.”

The owner said the name and display was specifically chosen to “stand out from the rest”.

He added: “With the whole name and the theme, I just thought, it’s quite fun and bold. It stands out, as we’re not you’re normal pizza shop.

“We’re different, so I chose a unique name and a unique theme with the bold pink to stand out from the rest. You’ll never forget it because it’s that different.”

A taste of Nashville and South Asian food will be on the menu, including smash burgers, Nashville Chicken, curry, pizzas and parmos.

The new business has taken over a long vacant store which has since undergone a full refurbishment.

Ishy said: “When we first got it, it had been empty for a while. We literally stripped it back to bare brick.

“Floors were removed, ceilings were redone, walls were reboarded, plastered, skimmed, decorated – everything is brand spanking new.

“We’ve got some really good chefs in. One of my chefs is currently working in a restaurant in Mayfair in London, so he knows his stuff.

“We’ve got a great team, we’re all experienced in hospitality and I just feel like the food we will serve is going to be absolutely unbelievable.”

Since announcing the opening, Ishy has said the response has been “mixed”.

AI design for Radgies interior (Image: RADGIES)

He said: “I’ve had a mixed response since announcing my opening.

“Some people think I’m absolutely crazy. Some people think it’s a really good idea, so I guess there’s only one way to find out, but I’m confident in the food.”

As opening day approaches, the owner said there has been some hurdles along the way.

He said: “We thought we were ready and then things came up and it’s been a bit stressful.

“There’s been a few obstacles along the way, but our main focus is getting everything ready for opening now.

“We’re sticking with that opening date and hopefully we can get everything done. We’re almost there now. “

The 23-year-old who is currently working as a quantity surveyor while studying for a masters, said 2026 was the right time to start his new venture.

He said: “When 2026 came, I thought, you know what, I’m just going to do it.

“There is always going to be an excuse, such as I’m doing a master’s or I have work, but this is what I have wanted to do, and I thought this was the time to do it.

“It’s so exciting to bring something fresh and new to my hometown. I love Darlington and I can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

You can find the new takeaway venue on 89 Victoria Road, Darlington.