Keeper's Cafe - Dipton

We are always on the look out for new places to visit when out and about with the family. A friend recommended we try Keeper's Cafe in the small village of Dipton in Durham. Located near Tanfield Railway and Gibside it is a lovely place to visit for a bite to eat when in the area (there's also plenty of free parking).

Play area

We chose to sit at a table towards the rear of the building next to a lovely children's play area. I was really impressed with the quality (and cleanliness) of the toys available - lots of wooden toys, books and play food. Our children happily played together whilst we enjoyed a cup of Pumphery's coffee in peace.

Food

The menu is fairly extensive with platters, jacket potatoes, paninis, salad bowls and homemade soups and daily specials available alongside homemade scones, cakes and bakes. I love how locally sourced products feature - you will find delicious wheelbirks ice cream, coffee from pumphreys and bacon and sausage from Knitsley Farm Shop. Gluten free bread is also available on request.

The children's options were very good value with a freshly made sandwich, apple slices, yoghurt and a fruit shoot costing only £3.50.

I decided to go for a sausage sandwich (£3.75) - What can I say, I just can't resist a farm shop sausage! Steve opted for a Goats cheese and beetroot panini (£5.75 including salad, crisps and coleslaw).

My sausage sandwich was possibly the best I've ever eaten and I can't believe it was less than £4. Steve's panini was also perfect and everyone had clean plates all round.

We could not resist popping to the cake counter and were impressed with the selection available. The Turkish Delight Chocolate Brownies caught our eye and after sampling a taster from the counter we decided to order three between the five of us.

Mmmm it's been a while since I've eaten a homemade brownie - they are certainly 100% better than anything shop bought! These were still a bit gooey inside and not too rich either.

Local Gifts

You will find lots of gorgeous local gifts around the counter - in fact I would describe this place as an Aladdin's cave. If I didn't have three rather crazy children with me I could have browsed for hours. It is really important to me to shop local where possible and I fell in love with most of the gorgeous gifts on display - I will certainly be back to make a purchase soon!

Keeper's Cafe is clearly keen to integrate into the local community. The staff were wonderful and ever so friendly, stopping to chat and check everything was ok for all of the customers in the cafe. The place was bustling on a Saturday lunchtime which is certainly a good sign. The cafe has also hosts several events from family story telling to jewellery making. Check out their facebook page for details.

We thoroughly enjoyed our family lunch at Keeper's Cafe and will be back when we are next in the area. If you are looking for inexpensive, homemade, locally sourced food with a play area to keep children entertained, I would recommend a trip.

Opening times and directions available here:-  http://www.keeperscafe.co.uk/

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