The Beans Coffee Stop is a small chain of five. So not exactly independent, but rightly squeezing its way into this blog.
The branches are found more or less between Peterborough, Northampton and Leicester, at Oundle, Stamford, Higham Ferrers, Oakham and Olney.
I popped in to the Stamford branch, up a windy alley off High Street, and parked myself by the map of the world (world maps are one of my weaknesses).
The usual coffee options are available, plus a range of hot chocolates and iced coffees. I enjoyed a generous cappuccino with lovely thick froth.
It’s a friendly, welcoming place with plenty of room and more than enough tables for a leisurely mug of coffee. All coffee is Fairtrade. Daily papers are available.
I’m glad to see it hitting the spot with the Stamford locals. It was bustling this Thursday lunchtime, with most clientele enjoying the sunshine outside (there are a handful of tables in the small, well kept courtyard).
With a sixth branch on the way at Uppingham, how long can Beans resist the world of impersonal chains? In the meantime, this is very much a local coffee shop with its own character. Highly recommended.
8-10 Silver Lane,
Stamford,
Lincolnshire,
PE9 2B
Tel. 01780 757373
Open: Mon – Sat, 8am to 5.30pm
Sun, 10am to 4pm
Website: http://www.beanscoffeestop.co.uk/
Beans offer a great coffee experiance and having Fairtrade espresso makes it extra special