Hundreds visit new Darley Abbey deli during successful opening week
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 30 September 2026
Darley Deli & Co celebrates successful launch at Darley Abbey Mills, creating new local jobs and bringing a fresh new food, drink and retail offering to the area
Darley Deli & Co opened at The Polishing Shed on Wednesday 23 September, offering locally sourced, freshly prepared food, artisan bread from local bakery The Loaf, pastries and cakes, alongside fresh flowers, cards and gifts.
The opening was followed by an official launch celebration on Saturday 26 September, when customers gathered to watch a spectacular traditional lion dance outside the deli. The colourful performance, traditionally associated with bringing good luck and prosperity, proved a highlight of the celebrations and was enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
The independent business has been launched by Wendy and Simon Mackney, owners of Mackney Photography, alongside Simon’s sister Joanne Corah.
Wendy Mackney, co-owner of Darley Deli & Co, said:
“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support. To welcome hundreds of people through the doors in our first week has been incredible, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited. The lion dance was a real spectacle and such a special way to celebrate the launch.”
Located within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the 22-cover deli is already serving up its “daily dose of delicious”, with a breakfast menu featuring locally sourced, freshly prepared food, morning bakes, generously filled croissants and deli favourites, alongside artisan bread from local bakery The Loaf, cakes and traybakes, matcha and hot drinks. Customers can also pick up fresh flowers, cards and a curated selection of gifts.
Current menu highlights include smoked salmon and cream cheese and sundried tomato and mozzarella filled croissants, bacon or sausage potato rolls, tomato bruschetta on sourdough, and avocado, feta and pomegranate sourdough topped with prosciutto. There is also a dedicated children’s menu.
The takeaway offering has also proved popular, with customers stopping by to pick up breakfast, lunch and treats to enjoy at work or while walking and relaxing around Darley Park.
The deli’s full lunch menu will launch on 14 October, with a wider choice of fresh dishes available to eat in or take away, including gluten-free and vegan options. The menu has been shaped by feedback from customers, with the team listening to what the local community would like to see on offer. The next phase will see the deli counter filled with a selection of cheeses and cooked meats, further expanding the range and offering customers a full deli experience.
The family chose to invest further in Darley Abbey Mills despite the challenges facing businesses following the closure and removal of the historic Mills Bridge.
Joanne Corah, co-owner of Darley Deli & Co, said:
“The reaction has been amazing. We’ve had so many people coming in not only to sit and enjoy the deli, but also picking up food to take back to work or enjoy around the park.
“We wanted to create somewhere people could pop into for great food and coffee, but also pick up a loaf of bread, fresh flowers, a card or a gift while they’re here. We’re really excited to build on the response so far with our full menu launching on 14 October.”
Darley Deli & Co is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am–5pm, at The Polishing Shed, North Mills, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1DZ.
For the latest updates, follow Darley Deli & Co on Instagram.
