A Midlands-based tea and coffee company is marking its 115th year by carrying out a major development that will allow it to expand into the national market.
Stokes Tea & Coffee is currently transforming an iconic building in Lincoln that once complete will deliver an increase in production and sales across the country.
The site will include a new café, restaurant, barista training centre and office spaces. A new roastery is also set to take centre stage in the building where Stokes will produce its bespoke-blended coffees. The café is set to open this summer, with other phases of the build set for final completion by the end of this year.
Nick Peel, Managing Director of Stokes, said: “The Lawn’s new café will be the third Stokes’ site in Lincoln, and a further example of our commitment and historic links to the city. Relocation of the roastery to the new site will enable larger-scale production not only for our own shops, but also other independents around the country that stock and serve Stokes’ coffees and teas.”
Stokes’ new headquarters, The Lawn, is a former psychiatric hospital and stands in a prominent position at the top of Lincoln’s Steep Hill next to the castle. Laying empty for almost a decade, The Lawn has much prominence in the city, and members of the public are looking forward to seeing this iconic building being brought back to life.
The family-run business founded by Nick’s great grandfather Robert William Stokes in 1902, sells a broad range of ethically-sourced artisan teas and coffees that are all processed in Lincoln, including the sourcing, blending, roasting, packaging and distribution.
Mr Peel added: “Although we are looking at increasing production and widening our distribution area, it is very important for us to be loyal to our traditional and ethical values that are at the heart of what we do. Customers and suppliers will continue to enjoy and serve the highest quality bespoke teas and coffees that have the Stokes’ unique taste.”
In addition to its retail offering, Stokes sells its original tea and coffee blends, and various coffee equipment to the trade. From delis to cafes, restaurants and hotels, Stokes’ artisan blended teas and coffees have featured on menus ever since the business began.
Mr Peel said: “Our new development provides many opportunities for Stokes, and is the start of a very exciting future for the company. I am very much looking forward to unveiling the new café to local customers this summer, and our brand on a national scale to enable people around the country to enjoy our products.”
For more information about Stokes and view its range of products, www.stokes-coffee.co.uk.