Sam Zair’s Café in Bishop Auckland for sale as owner wants to retire

Sam Zair’s Café, on Fore Bondgate, has been run by the town’s mayor for the past 41 years and is now being offered for sale “for good” after a previous listing in 2024.

The property, listed on Rightmove for £250,000, includes not only the well-known café but also a sizeable four-bedroom apartment above, and despite the listing, the café will remain open to the public.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Zair said: “This property has been in the family’s hands for a great number of years.

Sam Zair in his cafe. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“We have worked in it for 41 years when my father retired. We have worked on it and we have gone with the times.”

The café benefits from a steady stream of passing trade, attracting both loyal local customers and visitors from further afield, the listing from estate agents Hunters said.

The ground floor commercial space is currently operating as a popular café but offers flexibility for other uses, including retail or alternative hospitality ventures.

Mr Zair said the decision to sell ultimately comes down to stepping back after decades behind the counter.

Laughing, he added: “I think we have every right to retire.

“Ideally, it would be nice to keep it in the family, but my sons have got good jobs in their own right.”

Above the business, the self-contained apartment spans three floors and has recently had a new roof fitted.

The four-bedroom flat is currently used by the family as a holiday let, providing an additional income stream.

It could equally serve as a home for a new owner, estate agents said.

The listing can be found here: www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/170853203.