Ice cream man: Darren Metcalfe
Darren Metcalfe has been a local all his life and is fond of the area and people who live here. He says he and his wife have worked hard to achieve many goals, one of their proudest being the opening of Dora's Cups & Cones ice cream parlour at the Triangle. Darren did the work on the shop himself, and is also involved in other property renovations. He says he wants Dora’s to be a “vibrant, friendly place where people can enjoy themselves with one of their many treats”.
The Qs & the As
What’s your link with Bitterne Park?
I’ve lived close to the river and spent my whole life in this area.
What’s your earliest memory of the area?
Being driven by my parents to the car park that was in Bond Road to go shopping in the Triangle. I was always amazed by the presence that Natwest bank building had as a child – it reminded me of a Greek temple. In fact I've always been fascinated by the architecture of the local area and the gems it holds.
How could it (the area – or indeed your memories) be better?
We could do with the path along the river being lit a night as it can get quite dark down there!
Tell us something we probably didn’t know already about Bitterne Park
Many many years ago a previous shopkeeper served ice cream from the sash window at the front of our shop.
What’s good about the wider city?
The acceptance of others.
Southampton: points for improvement?
The road surface in many areas is not at its best and could do with being repaired properly instead of short-term patch ups. I also feel the garden grabbing is a real shame as many period properties have lost their heritage.
What’s your passion in life?
Amongst a few things, bikes of all types are my passion: I just love being on two wheels! Whether it's cycling 60 miles on tarmac or opening my Ducati up on it or hacking around the woods on a motorised or pedal power dirt bike, the time is precious to me.
How do you put bread on your table?
By going to Cottons. I really love his Wessex Cobbler.
What has your career taught you?
To make the most of holidays and leisure time as they are over too quickly.
What really gets your goat?
Bullies and rude people. I just can't stand people that don't think of others and how their actions may affect someone else, whether it's arrogance or domination of a minority. Live and let live. One thing life has surprised me with is the real importance of not judging a book by its cover.
How do you relax?
Red wine. And a good music event. Not always together!
What’s your favourite dish?
Tom Yum soup with seafood.
Which is your favourite pub?
Butcher’s Hook.
What do you listen to?
My wife, and Ibiza Global Radio. Probably not too much of the first part.
Can you recommend a really good read?
The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison by Warren Fellows
What’s a great day out?
For me a great day out is a ride out with my bike pals followed by food somewhere, and of course a beer.
Tell us a secret
We have a little tiny field mouse that arrives in our recycling centre at home at night. I can't bring myself to kick him out.
Tell us a joke
Why did the squirrel swim on his back?
To keep his nuts dry!
That's my wife's favourite joke; it's so bad it's good – she won a competition with it.
Thanks so much for taking part!
Tune in next time when another Bitterne Parker answers our searching questions. But before then, do you know a Bitterne Parker we really should feature? If so, please nominate them by emailing us using the contact form, and we'll do our best. No promises, mind.
Dora's Cups & Cones are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and their website is coming soon
Read about other Bitterne Parkers
iPod pic under CC2 by Ben K Adams