Atkinsons Coffee Roasters

Coffee aroma therapy

The long-running ‘Battle of the Beverages’ between tea and coffee rages on, but whatever the long-term outcome in the popularity stakes, there’s one producer in Lancaster that’s sure to come out tops. J. Atkinson & Co has been supplying both commodities since Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne in 1837. Not only does Atkinsons straddle the great tea and coffee divide, the company also incorporates old and new in terms of production technology and use of digital technology. Its teas go back to the days of the East India Company, while the coffees embrace the latest barista culture.

The shop itself, located in the city centre on China Street, is a real blast from the past, from its traditional pavement frontage to the characterful interior, with a mahogany counter made by renowned Lancaster furniture designer Gillows, along with rows of huge jars and metal containers on the shelves behind. Near the window, the old grinding machine continues to operate, dispersing the aroma of fresh coffee through the extractor fan to entice passers-by outside. At the rear of the shop, however, you can see the latest state-of-the-art machinery. What you might call, a perfect blend of old and new!

The firm’s founder, Thomas Atkinson saw the need for quality beverages, and was in an ideal position to grow the market on both fronts. Today, he would no doubt be pleased to know that customers can savour the vintage atmosphere of the shop, while taking tea or coffee next door in The Hall – formerly the locality’s Parish Hall. It’s impossible to know whether Thomas would be surprised that our ‘nation of tea drinkers’ now consume 95 million cups of coffee a day, compared to 165 million cups of tea. Old Tom’s continued growth in popularity is unsurprising given the cultural influences of both America and continental Europe, and the explosion of coffee shops with WIFI.

Address 12 China Street, Lancaster, LA1 1EX, +44 (0)1524 65470, www.thecoffeehopper.com | Getting there Train to Lancaster station; by car, from M 6 J 33, follow signs for Lancaster on the A 6 north, becoming China Street in the city | Hours Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 9am – 4pm | Tip Atkinsons runs another café on the ground floor of the nearby Grade I-listed Music Room, a one-time 18th-century summer house with a Palladian façade, located in nearby Sun Street.