Cafe @ Burn Lane
We know that Cafe @ Burn Lane has been a valued part of our community since opening in 2018, following investment from Northumberland County Council. Under the original funding agreement, Adapt (NE) committed to sustaining a community café space for at least five years, a commitment we fully honoured and enjoyed. During that time, the café has provided a welcoming, inclusive space for local people and hosted a range of additional community projects along the way.
Like many cafés and hospitality venues across the country, the café has faced growing financial pressures in recent years due to the lasting impact of Covid-19, rising costs and changing patterns of demand. During 2024/25 this led to operating losses of around £10,000, which the charity covered from its core funds.
Unfortunately, this level of loss is not sustainable long-term.
After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees made the difficult decision in August 2025 to close the café. We understand how disappointing this has been for some in our community, and this was not a decision taken lightly.
Importantly, whilst not a café, with a small grant received in December, the building is open as a community hub, with our Warm Space running three days a week. We would love to continue welcoming people in to drop by, say hello, and share ideas or feedback on the future of the space. Your voices and ideas matter as we look ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the café over the years.
