War refugee turned businessman to make 'long-awaited' return to Darlington
A man who fled war and moved to Darlington and set up his own business is now set to make his long-awaited return to the town this weekend.
After a year away, popular food vendor Falafel Fella is back and will reopen to the public at the Darlington Community Carnival this Saturday, June 28.
Mouhyedin Alkalil, the man behind the stall, fled his hometown of Homs in Syria at 18 to escape the civil war.
Mouhyedin Alkhalil, owner of Falafel Fella, who fled Syria in 2012 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) In June 2024 he closed his shop but continued to attend events with a pop-up stall across Darlington and County Durham.
In December, he returned to Syria to visit his family that he had not seen since he was a teen.
Now, Mouhyedin is back in Darlington, where he first rebuilt his life and started the business that became a local favourite.
Mouhyedin Alkhalil who fled Syria in 2012 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) After arriving in the UK in 2011, he settled in Darlington, working as an Uber driver and taking on odd jobs.
A local family offered him accommodation to help him save money, which he later used to launch his first business.
He eventually secured a lease for a shop, which he named Falafel Fella.
In a Facebook post announcing the return, Mouhyedin said: 'Our dearest friends, the wait has been long.
"After a whole year away, we've missed you, people of Darlington!
"Get ready for this Saturday because Falafel Fella will be at the Darlington Community Carnival.
"Come renew your memories, and taste the best falafel, chicken and halloumi wraps in town, back with the same beloved taste, and even better.
"Come and enjoy all the fun and falafel flavours! See you this Saturday at Darlington Community Carnival'
Falafel Fella will be set up in Stanhope Park as part of the food and drink stalls at the event.
Mouhyedin Alkhalil in his old store Falafel Fella back in 2020 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The announcement sparked a wave of excitement online, with customers welcoming the news.
'Can't wait. The queue will go right round the park!' one said.
'Love love love this, Mouhyedin, I'll be there, I miss you and your delicious food every week!' wrote another.
One more commented: 'We have a stall in the park this weekend. We will be visiting you to buy our lunch, delighted you are back.'
Another simply said: 'Best news ever!'
READ MORE:
All 20 road closures across Darlington for return of Community Carnival
Everything you need to know ahead of Darlington carnival this weekend
Darlington falafel business owner to return to Syria after 14 years
Mouhyedin also confirmed that Falafel Fella will appear at the Durham Miners Gala on Saturday, July 12.
Now back in the town where he first built his business, he is ready to serve up his popular wraps once again.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nottingham's official Robin Hood Tim Pollard dies aged 61 after 'short, brave' cancer battle
Tim Pollard, Nottingham's official Robin Hood, has died following a battle with cancer. Mr Pollard was aged 61 and was surrounded by his family when he passed away. A statement posted on his Facebook page revealed the beloved actor died following a "short, brave" battle with cancer. The tribute reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of Tim's passing. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. "Tim faced a short, brave battle with cancer. It was his heartfelt wish to keep his illness private, and he only allowed us to begin sharing this difficult news with a few close friends in recent weeks. READ MORE: Dramatic footage shows driver on wrong side of dual carriageway during Nottingham pursuit READ MORE: Nottingham's Lister Gate to get new big-name clothes shop in boost for struggling street "He truly valued his privacy, and we are striving to honour that now. "Tim was, as many of you know, our very own and only Robin Hood. He was loved by so many, not just here in Nottingham, but far beyond. His laughter, his spirit, and his incredible friendship touched countless lives. "We know Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We will share details of how we will celebrate his life in due course." Mr Pollard had been the city's Robin Hood for more than three decades. He is survived by his daughter. His wife, Sally Pollard, who was the city's Maid Marian, also died of cancer in June 2017 aged only 39. Tributes started pouring in on Saturday, June 28. Ray Blockley said: "Very, very sad to hear of the passing of Tim Pollard this morning. A regular at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, who many folk will know from his Robin Hood persona, as well as his promotion and support of all things Nottingham and local. "Thoughts are with his daughter and family at this sad time. If you can, raise a glass in his memory today." Tim Freer added: "I've heard the terribly sad news this morning of the passing of Tim Pollard, our very own and much loved Robin Hood - all of us that knew him are devastated. My thoughts go out to his family, we're going to miss him so much."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Neil Young set WILL be shown live on BBC after Canadian musician initially banned broadcast
Neil Young's headline set at Glastonbury Festival will now be shown live on the BBC on Saturday night, the BBC has announced. The corporation previously said that the Canadian rock veteran's set would not be broadcast live 'at the artist's request'. A spokesperson said: 'We are delighted to confirm that Neil Young's headline set from Glastonbury on Saturday will be broadcast live to audiences across the UK on the BBC.' READ MORE: Friends left stunned at Manchester Airport after landing £24,000 in terminal READ MORE: Workers at trendy new neighbourhood development make amazing discovery Young's set will be shown on the BBC iPlayer Pyramid Stage stream from 10pm, as well as broadcast on BBC Two and BBC Radio 2. Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The set will be shown on the BBC iPlayer Pyramid Stage stream from 10pm, as well as broadcast on BBC Two and BBC Radio 2. Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young, is expected to draw a big crowd, along with and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii who will also be performing. For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sir Brian May doesn't believe claims that Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury had a secret lovechild
Sir Brian May doesn't believe that his Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter. A new biography has sensationally claimed that the late music icon fathered a child following an affair with a close friend's wife in 1976 - with the revelation being kept a closely guarded secret amongst his inner circle - but Brian's wife Anita Dobson has revealed that the guitarist is unconvinced about the revelation. Recalling when she heard about the claims, Anita told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I went, 'What?'. I thought, 'No?'. I said to Brian, 'Do you know about this?'. He said, 'Do you believe this?'. The former EastEnders actress thinks that Freddie - who passed away in 1991 from AIDS complications - was too big a star for the secret to be kept under wraps for so long. Anita, 76, said: "He's iconic. It seems inconceivable he would have a child with someone we don't know about. Where is she - step forward. If she exists." Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones, who has penned the book Love, Freddie, insists that she has DNA proof that the 48-year-old woman is the child of the Bohemian Rhapsody singer and claims that she has always known the identity of her famous father - even handing over 17 of his journals that were used in the writing of the biography. The book - which will be released in September - features a handwritten letter from the woman, known only as B. She wrote: "Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life. Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty." Jones has hit back at those doubting the biography's claims and insists that the necessary research was conducted before publication. The writer said: "To those 'demanding' to see proof of a DNA test, rest assured the requisite verification was obtained, legal teams have been involved." She added: "To those insisting Freddie's diaries were faked with AI, that his daughter 'doesn't exist': wait and see." Jones explained that her "instinct was to doubt everything" when she was first contacted by Freddie's daughter - who lives in Europe and works as a medical professional - but is certain that the woman is telling the truth. She told the Daily Mail newspaper: "My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist."
