A Bishop Auckland café has won a loyal following from locals and visitors, making it the town’s top-rated coffee shop on TripAdvisor.
Beehive Coffee Shop, at Kingsway House on Kingsway, tops TripAdvisor’s Bishop Auckland coffee and tea rankings with a 4.9-star rating but has become known for much more than just coffee.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves cooked breakfasts, eggs benedict, sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Customers can eat in, grab a takeaway or stop by with their dogs, with reviewers regularly mentioning the welcoming atmosphere.
What makes the café particularly distinctive is that it operates as part of the nearby Angel Trust charity, with profits reinvested back into the charity that runs it.
In its first year alone, the Beehive has supported about 1,100 people through the charity’s services.
The combination of good food and a community-focused mission appears to have struck a chord with customers.
One recent reviewer called it "one of the best cafes we've been to", praising the food, generous portions and reasonable prices.
The reviewer also praised the dog-friendly setting, children’s options and range of vegan and gluten-free choices.
Another customer said staff showed a "huge amount of pride" in the food and service and had built a loyal clientele.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Diners have also praised the café’s atmosphere, with one calling it "beautifully decorated" and praising the friendly team.
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Another praised the "excellent customer service" and varied menu after an unplanned visit.
In a town with no shortage of places to grab a coffee, Beehive Coffee Shop has built a reputation well beyond Kingsway and judging by the reviews, customers believe its place at the top of TripAdvisor’s rankings is well and truly deserved.