The Witham Barnard Castle
An intimate venue and beloved cafe in Barnard Castle, known for live performances and exceptional cheese scones.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch top-tier live acts.
The Witham Barnard Castle
Best Time
Catch top-tier live acts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate venue and beloved cafe in Barnard Castle, known for live performances and exceptional cheese scones.
"The cafe bar is a destination in itself, renowned for its enormous and delicious cheese scones."
🎯 Book Performance Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out quickly in this intimate venue. Secure your spot for a great view!
☕ Savor the Cheese Scones
These are a must-try! Arrive early for the cafe to guarantee yours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Performances
Experience captivating live music, comedy, and theatre in an intimate setting.
The Famous Cheese Scones
Cafe Bar
Indulge in enormous, cheesy, and perfectly spiced cheese scones, a local delicacy.
Community Hub
A welcoming space for arts, culture, and delicious refreshments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Intimate Venue, Big Experiences
Beyond the Stage: Cafe Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Performance Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out quickly in this intimate venue. Secure your spot for a great view!
☕ Savor the Cheese Scones
These are a must-try! Arrive early for the cafe to guarantee yours.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Enjoy hassle-free arrival with convenient parking close by.
🎶 Check Sound Quality
Some past performances had sound balance issues; check recent reviews if acoustics are a concern.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Performance Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out quickly in this intimate venue. Secure your spot for a great view!
☕ Savor the Cheese Scones
These are a must-try! Arrive early for the cafe to guarantee yours.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Enjoy hassle-free arrival with convenient parking close by.
🎶 Check Sound Quality
Some past performances had sound balance issues; check recent reviews if acoustics are a concern.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Witham is highly praised as an intimate and welcoming venue for live performances, with many visitors commending the excellent views and friendly staff. The cafe bar is a standout attraction, particularly for its exceptional cheese scones. While most experiences are positive, occasional concerns about sound balance during certain performances have been noted.
"We went here to see Scott Bennett the comedian who was fantastic. This is a nice ,intimate venue were no matter where you sit you have a good view of the stage . Small bar inside which did have quite a queue but did take to long to get served."
lisa sowerby
"Paid another visit to the cafe bar at The Witham this morning for morning coffee. Always a lovely experience here- absolutely the very best cheese scones served in the North East and super coffee. We travel over 30 minutes to get here and it's definitely worth it!
Our scones were enormous ( see photo), lovely and cheesy with a tasty little kick plus 3 butter pats to melt on the inside.
£2.90 is a bargain for such a moreish snack served in a warm, cosy setting.
The whole menu offered here is varied so would suit everyone visiting. Well done to all the lovely team.😍"
Sallie Little
"This review is based on the "Made in Tennesee " performance only which we have been unfortunate to have to watch. I am not sure if it is the acoustics that were not in sync with the vocalists, but you could not really hear them above the music and what you could hear was muted and incoherent.. We were in row J and left during the break. It seemed that others left before we did. Some of the musicians seemed reasonable enough but for £25 each for a ticket, it needs to have a lot better balance between the musicians and singers. Very disappointing ,but good luck if they are going on tour in America"
Ernie Henderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Witham is conveniently located in Barnard Castle. Many visitors praise the easy access and nearby parking, making it a stress-free destination.
Yes, parking is available and is noted as being very close to the venue, avoiding the usual hassle of finding a space.
Barnard Castle is a walkable town, and The Witham's central location makes it accessible on foot for many visitors staying locally.
Check local bus routes serving Barnard Castle town center, as The Witham is centrally located and likely accessible via public transport.
While specific details aren't widely shared, the venue's intimate nature and praise for staff suggest a welcoming environment. It's best to contact them directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through their official website or potentially in person at the venue. Booking in advance is recommended for popular events.
Opening hours vary depending on performances and cafe operations. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on show times and cafe hours.
For some events, tickets may be available on the door, but for popular performances, it's highly advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Refund policies can vary by event. It's recommended to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact The Witham directly for clarification.
Information on concessions or discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check the specific event details when booking or inquire with the venue.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe bar offers a varied menu, with a particular highlight being their enormous and delicious cheese scones, often described as the best in the North East.
The cafe is open for morning coffee and other refreshments, but hours may vary. It's best to check their schedule, especially if visiting on a non-performance day.
Yes, the cafe bar is a great place to enjoy a meal or snack before a performance. Arriving a little early is recommended, especially if the bar is busy.
A small bar is available, serving a selection of drinks. While it can get busy during intermissions, service is generally prompt.
The menu is described as varied, suggesting it likely caters to different dietary needs. It's best to check the current menu or inquire with the cafe staff for specific options.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography during live performances is restricted to protect the artists' work and the audience's experience. Check venue rules or ask staff.
The charming exterior of The Witham and the interior ambiance, especially the cafe area, offer pleasant photo opportunities. Capturing the famous cheese scones is also a popular choice.
Consider capturing the venue's architecture from the outside, or the cozy atmosphere of the cafe. During performances, focus on capturing the atmosphere rather than stage shots unless permitted.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances to avoid distracting performers and other audience members.
The official website and social media channels of The Witham are the best places to find high-quality images of the venue and its events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a relaxed outing, consider visiting the cafe during off-peak hours. This allows children to enjoy the treats in a calmer atmosphere. If attending a performance, it's advisable to check the suitability of the show for younger audiences beforehand. The venue's staff are noted for being wonderful and very helpful, which can be a great asset when navigating a visit with children.
☕ Coffee & Scone Enthusiasts
Many visitors make a special trip, traveling over 30 minutes, just for this experience, underscoring the quality and appeal of the cafe's offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Witham Experience: More Than Just a Venue
Beyond the stage, the cafe bar at The Witham has garnered a significant reputation of its own. Visitors travel considerable distances specifically to sample their renowned cheese scones, described as 'enormous,' 'lovely and cheesy,' and 'moreish.'
While the venue generally receives high praise, it's worth noting that some past performances have faced criticism regarding sound quality. One review mentioned issues with acoustics where vocalists were hard to hear above the music, leading to disappointment for some attendees.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit