We're 'proud' to take on Whitburn's historic Village Cafe - here's what we have planned

Like many Whitburn villagers, brothers Richard and Dom Ord have grown up on the full English breakfasts and peach melbas of the Village Cafe.

Now, as the previous owners have a much-deserved retirement, the brothers are taking on one of their favourite cafes and taking it into a new chapter for the future.

Richard and Dom are well-known in South Shields and beyond for their hugely-successful family business, Colmans fish and chips, which recently got the Royal stamp of approval no less, after a visit from Princess Anne.

But while The Village Cafe will now be under the Colman hospitality group, it will be staying true to its roots as an English cafe.

Previous owners Francis and Peter Hopper opened The Village Cafe in Front Street on August 18, 1972, with an opening week takings of £26 and a milk bill of 21p.

Over the next five decades, it’s become a mainstay of village life and there can be few villagers who haven’t passed through its doors.

Richard said: “I grew up in Whitburn and my parents still live here. Me and Dom always loved coming here as kids for peach melbas and breakfasts. We’ve always had such fond memories of the place.

“We always said we’d love to take it on one day.

“Then, I was in for breakfast one morning when the owners said they putting it on the market. By lunchtime, I’d agreed to buy it. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.”

The Village Cafe will be keeping its name and its heritage of English cafe food.

“It will be what you expect from an English cafe,” said Richard. “But we’ll be elevating the offering, with really good quality, seasonal produce from the great suppliers we already work with.

“Think quality breakfasts, a lovely pastry display, croissants, Danish pastries and great coffee. We’re also looking into a small plates menu for the evening, as well as the possibility of supper clubs.”

The cafe is now closed with building works due to commence to transform the site with all new seating and counters, which make the most of the shape of the building, and a colour scheme of neutrals, sage green and dark green.

“We don’t want to rush this, we want to get it right, to nail every detail. We really want to honour the history of this place, but take it to the next level,” said Richard, with the team working towards a mid-August opening that coincides with the anniversary of the original cafe.

The team will also be applying for an alcohol license so customers can enjoy an al fresco spritz in the outdoor seating area, which is hugely popular in the summer. A hatch will also be installed for take away at the site, which will be open seven days a week.

The Ords have kept on two of the existing cafe staff members, with up to 15 new jobs being created moving forward.