Whitburn Village Cafe is aiming to reopen in the first week of December

Fri 13 Nov 2026 · Written for Visit South Shields from the sources below.

Checked 13 Nov 2026.

The Village Cafe on Front Street in Whitburn, in the village just down the coast from South Shields, is being refitted and is aiming to reopen in the first week of December. The owners say that's the plan if everything goes to schedule, so it isn't a fixed date yet. (Shields Gazette, 12 Nov 2026: Whitburn Village Cafe getting ready to open; checked 13 Nov 2026)

Francis and Peter Hopper ran the cafe from 1972 until they retired this year. The new owners are brothers Richard and Dom Ord, from the family behind Colmans fish and chips in South Shields. They took over in June. (Shields Gazette, 12 Nov 2026: Whitburn Village Cafe getting ready to open; checked 13 Nov 2026)

They have stripped the building back and are adding period-style panelling, parquet-effect flooring and a sage green colour scheme. Counters in marble, dark wood and brass are being made off site. (Shields Gazette, 12 Nov 2026: Whitburn Village Cafe getting ready to open; checked 13 Nov 2026)

What to expect: the cafe will open seven days a week. The menu centres on British classics, using local produce where they can: a full English, some new takes on breakfast, small plates, pastries, wine and Sunday lunches. There will be about 35 seats inside and 25 to 30 outside. (Shields Gazette, 12 Nov 2026: Whitburn Village Cafe getting ready to open; checked 13 Nov 2026)

We'll update this note when an opening date and hours are published. If you're walking The Leas, Souter Lighthouse's café is also open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, while the lighthouse is closed for winter (see Souter Lighthouse).

More: Food with a view, Ocean Road restaurants and Food & drink.