ROOKHOPE CAFÉ TO OPEN SOON IN NEW BUSINESS CENTRE
SINCE the closure of the village pub a few years ago, Rookhope has been without anywhere for
visitors to stop for sustenance – until now.
The isolated village is on the popular C2C routs and where at one time, cyclists would stop off for a
meal or even overnight at the Barrington Bunkhouse, dining at the Rookhope Inn. Now, with the
opening of a new café – Rookhope Kitchen – in the former primary school turned business centre is
about to revive locals and travellers alike with a range of food, snacks and drinks.
Victoria and Adam Smith along with their daughter, Mirren, have taken advantage of the
opportunity to use the centre to start this new business.
The family has lived in Rookhope village for around 18 years, moving there from Stanhope – both
the children attended the village primary school that has recently re-opened as the business centre.
Victoria said, “It’s great to see the school being used for local people and businesses. Our hope is
to try and bring vitality back to the village; attract the cyclists back on the c2c as they’ve been
missing the village out for the last few years with the pub being closed.
“There has been no reason for them to stop in the village, no outlets for hot food or even a cup of
tea. We hope walkers, bikers and people driving through will also stop off for a cuppa and a light
bite.”
A business such as this is just what Rookhope needs to attract more visitors but also for the
villagers themselves with a place to meet over a cuppa and a chat. The Smith family have more ideas
too.
Victoria said, “We are hoping to open on a Friday and Saturday night in due course and sell
homemade pizzas with a delivery option to the upper Dale so serving villages that do not currently
have the convenience of a delivery service.“
The family are prepared to work hard and to give both Weardalians and visitors something that is
missing in both the village and the upper Dale.
“We just want to try and fill a little gap for our village and surrounding villages and hope the
people support us in our venture, added Victoria.
The café will officially open on August 1 with the café opening 8am to 4pm in the first instance on
week days and on weekends. Later, depending on demand, the hours may change.
Please support the family in this new, brave venture.
