FOOD & DRINK
Exploring Stamford’s coffee bars & tea rooms
We love Stamford for its individuality and unique style, and when it comes to places to relax over a coffee, meet friends and watch the world go by, we’re spoilt for choice, as Charlotte Newby discovers.
I
n this feature, we have focussed on coffee bars and tearooms. Cafés offering fuller menus and table service will be covered in a future issue. In the last couple of years we’ve seen the inevitable arrival of two of the larger chain coffee bars, Costa and Caffe Nero, with spacious, attractive outlets, slick formula operations and loyalty cards. We know what to expect and we’re likely to get it. But Stamford also boasts some fantastic independent, stylish coffee bars and tearooms. We’ve sipped our way through many a cappuccino, and present our findings. Beans is tucked away down Silver Lane. It manages to combine a grade two listed interior with a contemporary look. This café offers generous coffees (cappuccino £2.20-2.80), rich hot chocolates, delicious smoothies and ice cream sundaes, plus a range of snacks and cakes. Plenty of terrace seating outside, it can get quite busy inside. Staff are courteous and helpful. Best for: fairtrade coffee, great smoothies. Café Black occupies an enviable position on the corner of High Street and Ironmonger Street. Contemporary, attractive interior with leather sofas and modern white furniture, Café Black has a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, gather for a chat over a latte and fat slice of cake. The menu is straightforward and the shop is clean and appealing, with polite young staff. Cappuccinos are £2.45, the carrot cake is tasty and generous, fresh smoothies delicious. The menu features local produce. Interesting sandwiches are £4.85. Well worth a visit. Best for: warm ambience, locally sourced food. The Fine Food Store is my personal favourite with its Frappe Latte (blended iced coffee) and a tranquil walled terrace at the back. It’s a sophisticated place with a tempting and imaginative menu and home made cakes. Owner Jenny is passionate about the food, which is freshly prepared on the premises. Homemade buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and fresh berries (£4.55) come highly recommended. Cappuccinos are £2.10. Best for: gorgeous garden, delicious food.
full afternoon tea at £7.15, home made cakes (the Bakewell tart is excellent), and sandwiches priced from £3.80. The atmosphere is mellow and the staff are accommodating. If you’re a visitor to town, and want to get a feel for the place, this is a piece of potted Stamford. Best for: traditional style, warm service. You will find in Frothy’s a homely little gem of a café. If this were down a quiet London side street, it would be considered a real find. Frothy’s is traditionally furnished with wooden furniture and comfy sofas, a log fire in winter and low lighting. It’s a warm and relaxing spot where owner Louise is welcoming and attentive. There’s an interesting range of sandwiches – humous and roast vegetable on focaccia £4.95, plus soup, some simple hot dishes, cookies and cakes. Cappuccinos are £2.10; hot chocolates at £2.00 are generous. Frothy’s won the Rutland Radio award for Best Coffee Place in 2010. Best for: calm, cosy atmosphere. Temptations is a first floor café with its entrance on Red Lion Square. The café is airy and spacious and there’s an eclectic, rather unusual collection of woodland and beach finds on every surface. The menu is simple and unpretentious. Cappuccinos start at £1.60, sandwiches are priced £3.40 to £4.95. There’s a basic range of cakes including good homemade shortbread at £1.00. They boast a “friendly and relaxing atmosphere”, and this is what you receive. Best for: vantage point over Red Lion Square.
addition to offering made-to-order snacks, home made cakes and quality Italian coffee (cappuccinos from £2.15), the shop also sells an indulgent selection of handmade Belgium chocolates (priced around £4.99+/100g). It’s a chocolate lovers’ heaven with an extended range including fresh cream chocolates in the shop at Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Best for: ultimate chocolate treats. Charlotte Newby owned and managed Café Tangerine in Central London before moving to Stamford in 2000.
Contact Details Beans, 8-10 Silver Lane, PE9 2BT, 01780 757373 Café Black, 21 High Street, PE9 2AL, 01780 762999 Caffe Nero, 7 High Street, PE9 2AL Costa, 31 High Street, PE9 2BB, 01780 751801 The Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DS, 01780 754222 Sam’s Place, 11-12 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DE, 01780 766511 Frothy’s Coffee Shop, 12 Ironmonger Street, PE9 1PL, 01780 751110 Temptations, 3 Red Lion Square, PE9 2AH, 07984 248573 Truffles, 16 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP, 01780 757282
Crisp, clean and bright, Truffles on St Mary’s Hill looks like a typical coffee bar. But in
Step back in time for a moment to Sam’s Place, situated on Sinclairs’ first floor. It is traditionally and comfortably decorated with glass chandeliers and thick carpet. Window seats offer views of St Mary’s Church. The menu includes a variety of teas, cappuccino (£2.30),
22
STAMFORD LIVING March 2011
22 COFFEE BARS.indd 1
17/2/11 18:10:19