DARLINGTON: Tripod Cafe in Abercrombie Street has closed. The decision for closure was made by owner James Rebbeck, who after 12 years decided the time had come for a change of life.
What made so many people, locals and beyond, committed patrons of Tripod over the years? Many of us would claim it offered the best coffee – not bitter, at just the right temperature and in generous cups and mugs. We loved the fresh muffins, still warm when we enjoyed them of an early morning. Many people were refreshed by full meals, for breakfast, lunch or dinner – always of significant size, with tasty and nutritious ingredients.
Most of us got to know the friendly staff, even if they changed a good deal over the years, and we exchanged greetings as we arrived and left. We saw the cafe environment as it changed in various ways over the years – the outside area given some clear roofing protection, shelves and the order counter changing and, finally, a wonderful work of art on the main wall, which lifted our hearts.
In making the changes, the staff retained the warmth of the wooden furniture around the espresso machine and some of the old features which were part of the original house.
Those of us who came regularly to Tripod with friends or family experienced it as a significant part of our lives. It held special memories for us – of relationships, celebrations, comfort and renewal.
I will always associate Tripod with Trevor Davies, Frank Leaver and Duncan Wilkie, with whom I enjoyed regular coffees before going to church each Sunday. A memorial service for Trevor Davies was held outside Tripod (in 2011) as well as several fundraisers and regular writers’ meetings for the SSH.
In later years, whenever I stepped into Tripod I felt the loving presence of my darling partner, Ali Blogg, who was there with me whenever she came over to take photos for the SSH. Ali died of brain cancer in 2013. She always enjoyed going to Tripod.
I am sure that many others would have similar memories of Tripod. A good cafe creates deeper community for people as they recognise each other in the sharing of food, drink and conversation. Friendly staff do add to this, of course.
While we respect the decision for closure, we hope that James and the other staff carry into their future lives the love, gratitude and respect which so many of us will be offering to them. Go in hope and peace, dear friends.
