Our Mission and Purpose
More Than Just a Café
The Old Chapel exists to serve our community in every sense of the word. We're a Community Benefit Society, which means everything we do is designed to benefit the people of Cotherstone and the wider Teesdale area. We're not just preserving a beautiful building - we're creating a space where community life can flourish.
Our mission is simple: to provide essential services, preserve local heritage, and create opportunities for people to connect. Whether that's over a proper cup of coffee, whilst volunteering in our community garden, or discovering the fascinating history of our village, we're here to bring people together.
From our café serving local produce to our heritage projects documenting village history, every aspect of our work is guided by our commitment to community benefit. We're proud to be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (registration no. 8650) and to be members of The Plunkett Foundation, ensuring we operate to the highest standards of community ownership.
What We Do Today
A Hub for Community Life
Step inside and you'll find far more than you might expect. Our café and shop serve as the village's essential services, but we're also home to a computer hub, meeting spaces for community groups, and a growing archive of local history.
Our volunteer team keeps everything running smoothly, from baking fresh treats to maintaining our developing community garden. We host regular events, support local groups, and provide facilities that help our community thrive. Whether you're looking for a quiet space to work, somewhere to meet friends, or a place to learn about local history, we've got you covered.
The building itself tells a story too. This beautiful 150-year-old Methodist chapel has been lovingly restored to blend its historical character with modern community needs.
Looking Forward
Building on Strong Foundations
Our first year of operation has been incredible. We've welcomed thousands of visitors, supported local suppliers, created employment opportunities, and even won our first award. But we're just getting started.
As we grow, we're committed to expanding our community benefits. Our heritage projects are uncovering fascinating stories about Cotherstone's past. Our volunteer opportunities are bringing people together and building new friendships. Our facilities are supporting local groups and activities that strengthen our community.
Every cup of coffee sold, every volunteer hour contributed, and every visitor who walks through our doors helps us build something lasting for future generations. We're not just preserving the past - we're creating a sustainable future for community life in Cotherstone.
About The Old Chapel
Frequently Asked Questions
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 bricks. Inspired by projects like Meldreth History, our aim is to honour every corner of the village.
Got a story about your home? We’d love to hear it.