Welcome to
The Old Chapel, Cotherstone

Step into a piece of Teesdale history. This beautiful 150-year-old Methodist chapel has been lovingly restored by the village as a thriving community café, shop, and heritage hub. Whether you're popping in for a proper brew and homemade cake, picking up local essentials, or discovering the stories behind every house in Cotherstone, you'll find a warm welcome waiting.

View our full menu

Café & Local Produce

More Than Just Great Coffee in Teesdale

There's something special about a place where every cup of coffee helps support a community dream. Our freshly brewed coffee comes from Limini Coffee, and you can take a bag home too.

But we're not just about the caffeine fix. Tuck into a hearty breakfast bap, warm yourself with homemade soup, or treat yourself to one of our legendary scones (customers keep raving about them!).

Everything's made with care, and you can take it away if you're in a hurry.

The kids will love our games room with table football and pool, while you catch up with friends over a proper cuppa. On sunny days, grab a seat in our community garden - our volunteers have worked wonders out the back.

Cafe & Menu Details
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What’s in the Shop?

Shop Local, Support Local

Our shop isn't your average corner store. We've carefully chosen suppliers who share our passion for quality and community. Pop in for everyday essentials like milk, bread, and household bits, or discover something special.

You'll find treasures like:

  • Fresh Cotherstone cheese (delivered fortnightly - you'll need to be quick!)
  • Organic Acorn Dairy milk near Darlington
  • Free-range eggs from High Beverley Farm near Middleton-in-Teesdale
  • Delicious English Lakes ice cream
  • The Teesdale Mercury (arrives every Friday for your weekly catch-up)

We even sell stamps if you're caught short, and there's always cat and dog food for your furry friends.

Opening Hours

When We’re Open

Monday, Wednesday to Saturday:
Shop: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cafe: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: Shop and Cafe: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday: Closed

The Chapel Project

From Worship to Community Hub

This isn’t just a shop or café – it’s a village story. The Old Chapel has been restored as part of a community-led project, with every cup of coffee and local purchase helping us keep the doors open and the heart of Cotherstone beating.

Our project journey

Teesdale Digital Hub & Heritage Centre

Connecting Past, Present, and Future

Pop in to the back room to our Digital Hub where three Windows PCs with fast internet and Microsoft Office are free to use. Print documents in colour, catch up on work, or dive into family history research with our free access to The Genealogist website.

Help is available every first Wednesday of the month from 2-4pm if you need a hand getting started with the computers or have any tech questions.

Digital hub details
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Every Home Has a Story

Discover the History of Cotherstone – One House at a Time

We’re building a digital archive of Cotherstone’s homes, past and present – from who lived where to the stories hidden in the stones.

Got a story about your home? We’d love to hear it.

Help Map Cotherstone History
Community-Owned Heritage

Community-Owned Heritage

More than just a café - this is a village success story. Over 280 local people invested their own money to save this historic chapel and transform it into the heart of Cotherstone.
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Award-Winning Local Experience

Award-Winning Local Experience

With 4.8 stars from delighted visitors, we're proud to serve excellent coffee, homemade treats, and the finest local produce - from famous Cotherstone cheese to Acorn Dairy milk.
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Everyone

Everyone's Welcome Here

Cyclists, walkers, families, dog owners, history buffs - we've got something for everyone. Park your bike, bring your four-legged friend, let the kids play table football, or research your family tree on our free computers.
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Events & What’s On

What’s Happening at The Old Chapel?

We’ll be hosting regular events – from history talks and exhibitions to coffee mornings and craft fairs.

Coming soon:
Stay tuned for our upcoming events calendar!

Community Garden & Volunteer Spirit

Growing Something Beautiful Together

Behind the chapel, something wonderful is taking shape. Our community garden project features raised beds, wildlife areas, a developing orchard, and peaceful spots to sit with a cuppa. It's volunteer-led and always looking for green-fingered helpers (or those just willing to learn).

Whether you fancy joining our friendly baking team, helping in the café, maintaining the garden, or supporting events, there's a place for you. Our volunteers often say the best part is the people they meet and the friends they make.

Help the community

FAQs

Everything You Need to Know

Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely! Well-behaved dogs are very welcome. We just ask that you keep them safe and comfortable for everyone.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there's parking available at the back of the chapel. Turn down the alleyway on the right-hand side of the building. You'll also find street parking in the village.
Do you take card payments?
Yes, we accept all major cards as well as cash.
Can I book a table?
We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you're coming as a large group or have particular needs, please let us know in advance so we can prepare.  Phone us on 07918268625, or email [email protected]
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available and try to accommodate dietary needs where possible. Just ask our friendly staff who'll be happy to help.
Can I volunteer or get involved?
We'd love that! Whether you're interested in baking, serving customers, gardening, or helping with events, please pop in and speak to our café manager or email [email protected].
Can I contribute to the heritage project?
Definitely! We're always looking for photos, stories, documents, or memories about Cotherstone's history. Every contribution helps build our community archive.Email us at [email protected] to get involved.