(Image: GNAAS)
A community coffee house at an air ambulance's North East headquarters has celebrated its first anniversary after welcoming tens of thousands of visitors and helping to raise vital funds for the charity’s life-saving service.
Hangar 63, based at the Eaglescliffe base of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), has quickly become a popular destination for supporters, residents and visitors.
Each purchase at the coffee house helps fund the charity’s critical care operations across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.
Food and drink at Hangar 63
(Image: GNAAS)
Phil Hall, commercial project manager at GNAAS, said: "When we opened Hangar 63, we hoped it would become a welcoming place where people could come together while supporting our charity.
"Seeing so many people walk through our doors over the past 12 months has been fantastic.
"We've loved watching the coffee house grow, from expanding the menu to becoming a real hub during our classic car and bike nights.
On offer at Hangar 63
(Image: GNAAS)
"It's wonderful to see so many familiar faces returning, whether they're meeting friends for coffee, calling in for lunch or supporting one of our events.
"Every coffee, breakfast and slice of cake helps our charity continue delivering life-saving critical care across our region, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us."
What began with hot and cold drinks and pre-packed cakes and sandwiches has expanded into a full menu, including breakfasts, lunches, homemade cakes and barista-style coffee.
Hot breakfast at Hangar 63
(Image: GNAAS)
Over the past year, staff have served more than 10,000 lattes, 5,000 cappuccinos and 9,000 cups of tea, as well as thousands of scones, bacon rolls and other treats.
The coffee house also features a gift area selling GNAAS merchandise and products from local businesses, which has raised more than £16,000.
Hangar 63 now serves more than 2,500 coffees, 1,000 cups of tea and 400 breakfasts each month.
Hangar 63 staff and volunteers
(Image: GNAAS)
It has also become a popular venue during the charity’s classic car and bike nights, held on the third Thursday and Friday of each month during spring and summer.
Much of the coffee house’s success is thanks to its volunteers, who contribute around 85 hours each week.
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Mr Hall said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support of our wonderful customers and our fantastic volunteers.
"Their dedication has made Hangar 63 the success it is today, and we can't thank them enough."
Hangar 63 is named after GNAAS’ North East helicopter callsign, Helimed 63.
It is open daily from 8.30am to 3pm, and also during evening events on classic car and bike nights.