Esquires Coffee Oakham Opening
We’re delighted to announce the opening of Esquires Coffee Oakham, following a carefully managed four‑month refurbishment of the former HSBC bank on Oakham High Street.
The reopening of this landmark building represents an exciting new chapter for both Esquires Coffee and the town centre. Once a long‑standing financial institution, the space has been thoughtfully transformed into a welcoming café serving 100% organic, Fairtrade‑certified coffee, freshly prepared food and artisan sourdough—creating a place where the community can meet, relax and connect.
Taking on a building with such deep historical significance was a considerable undertaking. The refurbishment went far beyond a cosmetic update and involved extensive structural repairs and a complete interior overhaul. Particular care was taken to preserve the character of the original architecture while adapting the space to suit the needs of a modern Esquires café.
The result is a café that feels both impressive and inviting. High ceilings and the strong architectural bones of the former bank create a sense of scale rarely found in contemporary coffee shops, while warm finishes and thoughtful design reflect the Esquires brand ethos—comfortable, welcoming spaces designed to be enjoyed by all.
While Esquires Coffee is an established international brand, each store is rooted in its local community, and Oakham is no exception. The café is operated by a young family who have been hands‑on throughout the project, bringing passion, care and a strong local presence to the business. This combination of a trusted global brand and committed local ownership sits at the heart of the Esquires model.
Early signs suggest the store has been warmly received. The 70‑seat café has been operating close to capacity since opening, underlining strong demand for a high‑quality, community‑focused coffee destination in the heart of Oakham.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing remain central to the Esquires Coffee proposition. From our organic and Fairtrade coffee to our focus on responsible suppliers, we aim to ensure that every cup served is a positive choice for both people and the planet.
At a time when many historic high‑street buildings risk being left vacant, it is encouraging to see this prominent space given a new lease of life. The opening of Esquires Coffee Oakham demonstrates how thoughtful investment, local commitment and a strong brand can help historic buildings find a meaningful second chapter—supporting both the local community and the vitality of the high street.

