A popular Durham cafe and cake shop, well known for its intricate bakes and quirky look, has shut up shop for good. 

Hatter's Cake Designs and Tearooms, has closed, with their unit put up for rental by commercial property surveyors Lofthouse and Partners. 

Hatter's was well known with the city's population - both residents and students, as a go-to cafe and teashop. Their intricate cakes were the premier choice for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions. 

But the shop is now empty - with businesses already lining up to take over the plot on Durham. 

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According to Lofthouse and Partners, the property is already under offer, having received 10 offers from 22 interested parties. 

This high interest is a positive sign for Durham High Street. There were concerns that it would not bounce back after the pandemic when large brands such as Bill's and Yorkshire Trading Company left the city. 

But the last year has seen a thriving independent retail and leisure scene growing, with new openings, like Happiness 2, Manakeet, and Kokoro attracting and retaining visitors.  

The former Hatter's unit, at 51 Saddler Street, on Durham's peninsula, is to be rented for £12,000 pax (per annum exclusive). 

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The cafe premises are advertised as "well-presented" with opportunities for another cafe or retail space, that is "centrally positioned in the heart of Durham city" and located in the University city. 

Located in a grade 2 listed building, the property is split across two floors, giving tenants access to 683 square feet. 

The lease is available for a minimum of three years, with three yearly rent reviews.