Durham's popular Whitechurch coffee spot under new ownership - here's what's in store

One of Durham's most-esteemed coffee spots has been taken over by one of the city's longest-running hospitality groups.

Since opening in the shadow of Durham University's Bill Bryson library in 2018, Whitechurch has built up a strong following for its coffee, brunch, Sunday roasts, wines and more.

It gave new life to the former New Inn, in Church Street Head, and it soon grew a solid reputation.

Now, it's been taken over by another of the historic city's independents.

Zen Group established Zen Asian restaurant in Court Lane 18 years ago and over the years opened burger restaurant Tango, which recently relocated to larger premises in Saddler Street, and Cantonese restaurant The Rabbit Hole in Hallgarth Street, with Whitechurch becoming the fourth venue in the group's portfolio.

It's taken Zen Group's workforce in the city to more than 130 people.

Sam Gadd, who owns Zen Group with Zak Newton, said: "We've always had scope to grow the business.

"My parents set up Zen 18 years ago and it's become an institution in the city and goes from strength to strength.

"We were approached by the owners of Whitechurch and given first refusal, we already worked closely with them, so we had that conversation."

Zen Group took over Whitechurch two months ago and are keeping it as business as usual for now, with changes implemented in 2024.

"It's really exciting to add Whitechurch to the group. We've inherited a fantastic kitchen team and highly-skilled chefs."

The venue already has a strong food offering, particularly its Sunday roasts, and Zen Group will be building on that next year with a grab-and-go artisan deli on site and building on its strong brunch offering.

Sam, who also has plans to open further Zen restaurants, said: "For the deli, we'll be curing our own meats, pickling our own veg, all in house produce. We'll also be bringing back the pastry chef and doing our own baking."

Durham has seen a wave of new hospitality businesses opening in the past few years.

Sam said: "There has been some big changes in Durham and there's some great independents, like Course in North Road, doing great things."