Cafe in the Dene

1 Stanhope Chase, Peterlee SR8 1NJ, United Kingdom
+44 191 586 0004
$$$ Cafe
(44 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Cafe in the Dene, a charming sanctuary nestled among the serene landscapes of Castle Eden Dene in Peterlee. This delightful cafe stands out as a perfect retreat for both locals and visitors who wish to indulge in the peaceful ambiance of nature while enjoying exceptional food.

With its inviting atmosphere and limited eight-table setup, Cafe in the Dene creates an intimate dining experience that fosters connection and community. You'll often find the enchanting sound of laughter and conversation blending seamlessly with the rustle of leaves—a peaceful symphony that enhances your visit. For those who fancy al fresco dining, the outdoor seating offers a wonderful opportunity to soak up the sun while savoring your meal.

The menu showcases a range of appetizing options, making it hard to choose just one. Picture yourself indulging in a scrumptious sweet chilli chicken panini paired with a pot of aromatic tea, or treating yourself to a delightful slice of homemade carrot cake alongside a velvety flat white. Customers have touted the cafe's quality food and refreshments as “fantastic,” and it’s no wonder why many patrons, like John Cowie and Karen Davies, have made it a regular stop on their walks in the Dene.

As you enter, expect to be warmly greeted by the friendly staff, who are dedicated to making your experience pleasant and memorable. Sherri, another satisfied customer, remarked on the cafe's reasonable prices and fantastic meals, highlighting how they offer great value without compromising on quality. Whether you opt for the quiche and salad or a hearty beef bun with gravy, you can be assured of a satisfying meal. The food is described as not just “very nice” but also tempting, making it a haven for food lovers.

For those bringing furry friends along, the cafe proudly embraces a dog-friendly policy, ensuring that everyone in the family can enjoy a lovely outing together after a stroll through the picturesque Dene. The unique balance of delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and its scenic location variously invites both a quiet afternoon retreat or a buzz of social interactions.

Make Cafe in the Dene your go-to destination not just for its incredible menu, but for the genuine warmth and care reflected in its service. As Shaun Martin put it, this is “a fantastic little cafe” waiting to cater to your every craving. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, you’re sure to leave with a heart full of warmth and a craving for more. Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience the charm for yourself!

Location: 1 Stanhope Chase, Peterlee SR8 1NJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 191 586 0004

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
44 Reviews
John Cowie

16 Sep 2025

Nice walk in Castle Eden Dene, then call in at the cafe for a cuppa and a bite to eat. Staff lovely, food very nice. There are only 8 tables inside, but I have always found a seat as a lot of people sit outside in the sun. This is becoming a regular stop off. Update It's better weather, so out for a walk, and then popped in for a cuppa. Still very pleasant and staff are lovely.

Karen Davies

07 Aug 2025

Beautiful Afternoon tea love to come here every time I visit family here the food is lovely staff very friendly and welcoming looking forward to next time

Shaun Martin

25 Jun 2025

What a fantastic little Cafe. Great quality food. Great prices.

Stuart Bennett

17 Jun 2025

After a walk in the dene with our dog, we popped in for a hot drink and something to eat. It's a dog friendly cafe. The food was nice and all very tempting. Friendly staff. Excellent place for refreshments and has outdoors seating as well weather permitting.

Graeme LearnSomethingNewEveryday

17 Jun 2025

Had a delicious brunch / lunch of Sweet Chilli chicken panini and pot of tea, while my wife opted for the carrot cake with a flat white. The cafe was busy but managed to find a table straight away. The car park was full, as it was a lovely sunny day, so had to park on the roadside. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My wife bought a cheese scone to eat later. The homemade cakes and apple pie looked delicious. Highly recommend a visit.

Sherri

31 May 2025

We popped in for a quick meal before a long walk in the dene and were pleasantly surprised at how reasonably priced everything was - 2 meals (quiche and salad, and a beef bun with gravy) and 2 drinks for just over a tenner. The staff were lovely and the atmosphere was very peaceful. It’s worth the visit if you’re in the area.

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