The place to meet and eat (and bring a furry friend)

Breakfast was the order of the day when Caroline Bingham visited Stokes Welton Café, the latest addition to their family of eateries.

The interiors of Stokes cafés have an individual, distinctive style and Welton is no exception. Painted in chalky blue and white, the calm and stylish décor highlights the timber frame ceiling, with seating upholstered in upcycled coffee bean bag hessian. This is a comfortable retreat from the high street in which to meet friends, grab an appetising lunch or bring the children for a sweet treat. As well as the well laid out interior, there is a beautiful garden accessed by the patio doors, which is ideal for enjoying your visit al fresco.

I arrived on a weekday morning and the early breakfasters were just finishing the last forkfuls from their plates. My choice of drink had to be coffee – an Americano (Stokes select and roast all their own single source and blended coffees) and I ordered a full English myself. I could not remember the last time I had enjoyed this traditional treat, so I was really looking forward to taking my time.

The café opened in February in The Stables, on the main route through the village, accessed via the archway next to the Parish Office. It has already become popular with locals as a late morning coffee rendezvous (there is parking right outside) and with walkers and cyclists who tour the charming countryside and villages in this part of the county. The café stays open until 4.30pm on weekdays, handy for an after school treat of a milkshake, smoothie, hot chocolate or cake.

The full English breakfast included Lincolnshire pork sausage and home-cured bacon, free range scrambled egg, tomato, flat mushroom, baked beans and fried potato. To the side I had a slice of brown toast. I took my time and enjoyed every mouthful. Other breakfast options include a vegetarian breakfast, eggs on toast or breakfast sandwiches.

In the chill cabinets there is a wide choice of cold drinks, salad boxes and freshly prepared sandwiches and paninis to eat in or takeaway. Hot lunchtime options include jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings, toasted sandwiches and quiche of the day served with leaves and coleslaw. Stokes make all their own scones and there are fruit, cheese and vegan varieties to enjoy with jam, cream or Oatly Fraiche.

The café and the garden are dog friendly so before long other customers had arrived, coming to round off walking their furry friend with a well-deserved coffee and treat. Stokes offer a great range of their own selected teas as well as choice Chinese and Indian specialities such as Green Gunpowder, Jade Oolong and Darjeeling.

Stokes’ famous Afternoon Teas have been a firm favourite in their High Bridge Café for decades and this British delight can be enjoyed, as long as you have booked 24 hours in advance, in Stokes Welton Café.

The garden in summer would be the perfect location in which to indulge with friends and loved ones.

Choose from the Classic with finger sandwiches, cream scone, delicate cakes and a choice of tea or coffee; or if your appetite is smaller, opt for a Cream Tea or Lincolnshire Tea (which includes plum bread and Lincolnshire Poacher cheese).

Stokes Welton Café is certainly a welcome addition to the streetscape of Welton, which is already a busy hub for local shoppers and visitors. Pop in, whatever the time of day. You are sure to receive a warm welcome.

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