Community cafe announces closure with 'a heavy heart' in Sunderland city centre
The community venue was the city’s first deaf cafe.
A unique cafe which aimed to break down barriers between those who can and can’t hear has announced its closure with ‘heavy hearts’.
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Eden opened its doors in summer 2024 at Hills arts centre in Waterloo Place and, as one of the first cafes of its kind, was manned by deaf and hearing impaired staff.
As well as giving deaf people the chance to order in sign language, it was open for hearing customers as well and was a way for people to become more well acquainted with sign language.
Those who can’t sign were aided by an interpreter who facilitated communication when orders were made at the not-for-profit cafe and community hub.
Now, the board of directors have announced that they are closing the doors this week - but that the legacy of what they achieved lives on.
In a statement, they said: “It is with heavy hearts—and immense gratitude—that we announce the closing of our community cafe on 31st July 2026.
“Two years ago, we opened our doors with a bold mission: to build the first venue of its kind in the North East, run by a passionate Deaf team and dedicated to helping Deaf individuals break into the world of business.
“Together, we set out to break down barriers and build a genuine bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities. Looking back over the last two years, we are so proud of every connection made, every barrier broken, and every single conversation started over a cup of coffee.
“We want to express our deepest thanks to: Our incredible staff, whose hard work, talent, and passion made this space what it was. Our loyal customers, for opening your hearts, embracing our mission, and making our cafe a warm, vibrant place to be. Our interpreters and volunteers, whose tireless dedication made seamless communication and daily operations possible.
“While this chapter is coming to an end, the impact of what we built together will last far beyond our doors. Thank you for being part of our journey and for proving what true community inclusion looks like.”
This month also saw PatiCake Patisserie in Tunstall Road announce its closure, with the final day of trading on Sunday, August 2.
Announcing the closure, owner Patrycja Niesporek, known as Pati, says it’s time to start a new chapter and that people will still be able to enjoy her PatiCake cakes at food markets, including those at Sunderland Train Station, Bridges Shopping Centre, and Dalton Park Market.