A sneak peak of The Cart House Cafe, an exciting new addition to Vintage Sofa Warehouse, opening Summer 2025 in the heart of Sherburn Hill, Durham. A place where heritage meets modern comfort, our cafe will be the perfect spot to relax, enjoy artisan coffee, and soak in the charm of our beautifully restored space.
A Cafe with Character & Charm
Housed in a historic building with over 100 years of history, The Cart House Cafe will offer a unique and welcoming atmosphere-whether you’re taking a break from furniture shopping, meeting friends, or indulging in a little self-care with a coffee and cake. Expect a setting filled with chandeliers, William Morris wallpaper, antique tills, and mismatched vintage seating that makes every visit feel special.
What You Can Expect:
✔ Handcrafted artisan coffee & locally sourced teas ☕
✔ Homemade cakes & pastries served on elegant bone china
✔ A stylish blend of antique and modern interiors for a cosy, inviting feel
✔ Old-fashioned tills & a Beamish-style counter, adding a nostalgic touch
✔ A comfortable lounge area with mismatched chairs & booth seating ✨
A Nostalgic Cafe Experience
Inspired by the timeless elegance of classic British tearooms, The Cart House Cafe is designed to bring back the tradition of afternoon tea while offering a relaxed, modern setting. Whether you're stopping by for a quick espresso or spending an afternoon with a full afternoon tea experience, our café will be a hidden gem in Sherburn Hill.
Hidden Names in the Walls – The Discovery of John Dunn & Lewis Dixon
When restoring old buildings, you never know what you might uncover.. whilst renovaing the new cafe, we stumbled upon a piece of local history that stopped us in our tracks. Tucked away behind a section of plaster during the renovation of what is now becoming The Cart House Café, we discovered two handwritten names etched into the wall: John Dunn and Lewis Dixon. Faded but clear, the names were accompanied by a date - 1908.
It’s moments like these that connect us to the people who came before. We imagine Dunn and Dixon, perhaps local tradesmen or apprentices, taking a quiet moment to mark their work, never expecting their names to be found more than a century later. This wasn’t just graffiti—it was a time capsule. A reminder that this building, like many in County Durham, has lived many lives. From its time as an Edwardian cart store to its current role as part of our evolving showroom and soon-to-be café, its walls carry stories. Rather than covering up the writing, we’ve decided to keep it exposed as part of the café’s interior. Visitors will be able to see the names on display, a nod to the working-class heritage of Sherburn Hill and a beautiful reminder that buildings are more than bricks—they’re full of human moments.
In the world of interiors and restoration, it’s easy to get caught up in trends. But at Vintage Sofa Warehouse, we’ve always valued the history and character behind every piece and every wall. This discovery only deepens our commitment to preserving the unique and celebrating the stories that make each space truly special.
The Cart House Café, opening Summer 2025
Opening Summer 2025 – Stay Updated!
Location: The Old Curio, Sherburn Hill, Durham, DH6 1PA
Call Us: 01913 592294
Easily accessible from Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland & surrounding areas
Below you can see the rennovation project as its being udertaken.
