Papa Kels

St Helens Way, Bishop Auckland DL14 9AX, United Kingdom
+44 7842 047472
$$$ Cafe
(30 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Papa Kels, a charming café located on St Helens Way in Bishop Auckland. If you’re searching for a delightful spot to indulge in hearty, homemade comfort food, you’ve just found it! This beloved local café prides itself on serving up generous portions alongside a dose of friendly service that will brighten your day.

At Papa Kels, you can savor the essence of British cuisine with a delightful selection of menu items. Begin your week with the mouthwatering Beef Yorky Pudd Wrap available every Tuesday, a dish where tender beef meets fluffy Yorkshire pudding, wrapped into a blissful creation that promises satisfaction with every bite. On Wednesdays, don’t miss out on the Mince and Dumpling with Veg — a nostalgic favorite that warms the heart with its rich flavors and hearty texture, perfectly complemented by crisp peas and crunchy carrots alongside a side of golden chips.

The café also offers an assortment of what is affectionately known as ‘chippy’ comfort food. Enjoy the crispy homemade chips, a quintessential British treat, perhaps paired with tangy curry, savory gravy, or a variety of meats and sausages. The Bacon and Sausage lineup is sure to please, whether you’re after a classic sausage, egg and chips or something more indulgent like a BLT or a Sausage Patty with Egg & Cheese.

What truly sets Papa Kels apart is the warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the cheery smiles of the staff who are always ready to serve you with enthusiasm. Customers rave about not just the delicious food but also the sense of community that Papa Kels fosters. Graham Denison, a satisfied customer, describes it as “pretty good roadside food” with “good portions” and “cheery service.” Meanwhile, event catering has become one of their specialties, as demonstrated by Katie Allen’s glowing review of their service for her party of 120 guests, who praised the “amazing” food and friendly service — testimony to the café’s commitment to excellence.

And it's not just the food that keeps customers coming back; it's the personal touch and consistency. William Hutchinson notes how he and his partner always find the food “brilliant as always” and appreciate the constant smiles from the staff. This sentiment resonates with many who have turned to Papa Kels for breakfast, lunch, or as a reliable spot for catering various events.

So whether you're just stopping by for a quick bite or looking to cater a larger gathering, Papa Kels is a haven for delicious, hearty food served with a side of genuine hospitality. Make sure to pay them a visit and experience it for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!

For more information, give them a call at +44 7842 047472 to check out their latest specials and event catering options.

Service options
Takeaway
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

06:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Tuesday

06:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Wednesday

06:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Thursday

06:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Friday

06:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

30 Reviews
Graham Denison

01 Sep 2025

Pretty good roadside food. Good portions, cheery service, give it a go!

Craig Dawson

21 Aug 2025

I'd highly recommend Papa Kels. We've used Kelvin and his team for various events and couldn't fault the standard of food and the amazing service.

Three Rivers Health & Safety Consultancy

19 Aug 2025

Went last week, great to see still in the area four years later! Food and value amazing.

William Hutchinson

08 Aug 2025

Haven't been for a while sorry Kelvin but me and Debs were nearby and called round today 13/2/25 as usual food is brilliant as always mate can't fault it and the staff are always smiling and pleasant.

Katie Allen

27 Jul 2025

Papa Kels catered our recent party for around 120 people, food was amazing, friendly service and will definitely be using again!

Rws Water

04 Jul 2025

Popped down the van this morning for breakfast, well what can I say Papa mate your bait is bang on great crack too. Went to work and needed a lie down full as a gun.

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