Artisan Corner, Barnard Castle, for sale as owner moves on

The Artisan Corner in Barnard Castle, which occupies two adjoining Grade II-listed buildings on The Bank, has been put on the market, and is being sold for £60,000 by Carver Commercial.

A statement on the café's Facebook page said: "After more than eight years of developing the Artisan Corner business, we are excited to list the property lease for sale.

"Please be assured we will in the meantime continue to serve the best coffee and meals in town."

Owner Robert Dunbar, 66, has grown the business from selling coffee from a bus in the market, but said it was time to move on to a new project for "one last hurrah" before retirement.

Owner Robert Dunbar (right) and chef Simon Adamson. (Image: Artisan Corner)

Mr Dunbar said: "I'm looking for a wee challenge.

"I'm at the age where I should be retiring and I wanted one last hurrah before I retire."

It is up for grabs for potential new owners. (Image: THE ARTISAN CORNER)

He said: "We have the opportunity to pass on the business to someone new.

"The customers are disappointed and anxious about us leaving, but Barnard Castle is a really friendly town," he added.

"It is something you can't emphasise enough. People smile and speak to you on the street.

"It's something you don't get in every town. We have always felt very welcome here.

"I know whoever takes over the business will be welcomed in the same way."

The café is situated in the town centre, on the corner of Galgate and The Bank, where it is surrounded by shops, restaurants and other businesses.

The café itself spans two buildings.

The corner property, 6A The Bank, features a sales area and bar on the ground floor, with another sales area and WCs upstairs.

An adjacent property, 8 The Bank, is home to a large kitchen, sales area, WC and storage space.