Historic carthouse opens as café

A restored historic building in County Durham has been transformed into a café destination combining heritage features with a relaxed dining experience.

The Carthouse Café at The Old Curio in Sherburn Hill has opened within a former carthouse dating back more than 100 years, creating a space designed around traditional tearoom culture and slow living.

The café features vintage furnishings, antique details and period-inspired interiors, including William Morris-style wallpaper, chandeliers and traditional crockery. 

Designed to encourage visitors to linger, the space combines relaxed dining with the opportunity to enjoy its historic surroundings.

Offering artisan coffee, locally sourced teas, homemade cakes and pastries, the menu also includes breakfasts and traditional comfort dishes.

Afternoon tea experiences are also available, with a focus on locally produced ingredients and a more leisurely approach to dining.

As part of The Old Curio’s wider offering, The Carthouse Café combines hospitality with antiques, furniture and heritage-inspired interiors.

The space aims to provide a community-focused setting where visitors can eat, browse and relax.

Located in Sherburn Hill, the café is also dog-friendly and has been designed as a destination for both local residents and visitors seeking a unique hospitality experience.

Nikki Gregory, owner of The Old Curio, said: “We’ve always wanted The Old Curio to be somewhere people feel comfortable spending time. 

“Whether someone comes in to meet friends, catch up with neighbours, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or simply take a break from the day, creating that sense of welcome and connection is incredibly important to us.

“It’s designed as a space where you can be absorbed into the past and history, away from today’s fast-paced environment, transported back in time. 

“We’ve created an atmosphere that is out of the ordinary.”

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