Café 16 — Café in Gateshead

Café 16 is a café on St Nicholas' Church Yard, close to Newcastle Cathedral, offering a calm break in the city. This Gateshead café is known for its Afternoon Tea, with fresh baked goods from HMP Northumberland's charity bakery. It's a popular spot for informal meetings, a quick bite, or a moment to relax. The venue provides a welcoming atmosphere in Newcastle Upon Tyne while you explore nearby historical landmarks.

About The Venue

Café 16 is in a Grade I listed building, originally for religious worship as part of Newcastle Cathedral. The Gothic Revival style is evident in the stained glass and timber beams, creating a naturally lit interior. Established in 2021, the venue’s history is linked to the former 1916 Royal Flying Corps station at the HMP Northumberland site. The café operates with a charity-led employment model, offering roles to individuals with experience of the prison system through the Oswin Project. The décor creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere and the venue is accessible, with step-free access and accessible toilets.

Typical Experiences

Café 16 is a convenient café serving coffee, tea and a selection of cakes. It’s a particularly good choice for an afternoon treat, with Afternoon Tea proving popular. The venue offers a relaxed setting for individuals, groups and families. Its commitment to employing people with experience of the criminal justice system through the Oswin Project adds a unique social impact to its standard café service. It’s a good option for a solo break or casual meetup in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Notable Features

  • Charity-led employment model for prison leavers
  • Café sourced from a prison bakery
  • Historical naming with legacy of Royal Flying Corps station
  • Staff service
  • Cake selection
  • Historic location

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in July 2026.