New Yard Nine café supporting Foundation of Light

The Beacon of Light’s new addition has been serving its community, both with refreshments and through the Foundation of Light.

‘Yard Nine’ – a brand-new café inspired by Sunderland’s shipyards and rich industrial history – has been operating in the Foundation’s home for just over a month.

What sets Yard Nine apart from other café, is that it doesn’t only serve great coffee, but also supports a great cause. All profits made by the coffee shop directly support the Foundation of Light, the charitable arm of Sunderland AFC.

The Foundation of Light uses the power of football to tackle the North East's biggest societal challenges, helping our communities to live happier and healthier lives.

We use our position as an unparalleled route into traditionally 'hard to reach' communities, working across four programme areas - sport and play, world of work, education, and health and wellbeing.

Sunderland and the surrounding region is very much at the heart of Yard Nine, with a locally-sourced menu, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold beverages, and nods to local history featuring throughout the café.

The name pays homage to the city’s shipbuilding traditions, with the Beacon of Light’s location situated by shipyard number nine of the 76 based along the River Wear. 

Whether you’re on drop off duty at the Beacon, looking for a post-activity snack, or just passing by the area, Yard Nine is your new one-stop for a quick coffee break, a leisurely lunch, or a spot to catch up with friends.