Based on New Buildings, this uber-trendy Coffee House and Bar serves Breakfast, Lunch (with fantastic Vegan and Gluten Free options) as well as a variety of speciality Teas and Coffees, Cocktails, Gins and Beers - and they are often open late on Friday and Saturday evenings!
Here, we chat to owner Stewart Downes, who opened the business in May 2019..
1) What’s your typical day like in the run-up to Christmas?
A typical day starts pretty early, I’m usually at the coffee shop by 7am prepping and setting up for the day. Once we open, we usually have a steady flow of customers including lots of regulars we see on a daily basis. We serve breakfast until 11.30 and lunch from 12 till 2.30 and coffee, cakes, smoothie bowls and frappes all day.
2) What do you most love about what you do?
I love the fact it’s a very social job and I get to interact with people all day.
We have a very broad age range of customers from every walk of life and I love being able to chat and build a rapport with them all. It’s a nice atmosphere as people are coming with family and friends, on days off and on their lunch breaks and I love to help create that and hope everyone feels welcomed.
3) What’s your biggest festive seller?
We have just added a turkey, stuffing and cranberry baguette to our menu for the festive season and that’s selling very well. We also do a Christmas Frangipani cake that’s a big hit with the customers.
4) What made you decide to start your own business?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself and provide for my family and having worked in the hospitality industry for many years I felt a coffee shop and bar was something I could really make a success of.
5) What’s your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far is the fact that in 6 months of being open we have built up a lot of regular customers which I love as it means we are doing something right!
6) What’s your advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
Be prepared to have to work really hard and make sure you get a good team around you. Trust your instincts.
7) What’s your favourite thing about Hinckley?
My favourite thing about Hinckley is definitely the people. I feel everyone is very friendly and there is a great community spirit.
8) Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you…
A couple of months before opening Stockwells I became a dad for the first time with my wife, Laura, to our daughter Evie. I’m loving being a dad and Stockwells is becoming a second home to Evie, she loves coming up for her breakfast or lunch and seems to love the hustle and bustle of the coffee shop.
9) What's on your Christmas wish list?
A new pair of slippers and a nice bottle of red wine!
10) Where can people find you?
Stockwells is located at 1a New Buildings. You can have a look at some of the things we offer and keep up to date with what we have going on by following us on Facebook and Instagram (Stockwells Coffee House & Bar)