Stokes Newark Café

What a revelation in Newark! Outstanding coffee made by a skilled barista. Outstanding service too. The barista even went to the trouble of making me an off-menu Magic coffee (a Melbourne specialty coffee), and it was perfect. This is a cafe that’s clearly been conceived by people who appreciate great coffee, and know how to create a cool contemporary atmosphere to go with it. Even the background music is perfect - not too intrusive. I’d also highly recommend the English breakfast. I honestly can’t fault this place. Newark is fortunate to have a cafe of this quality.

I paid a visit to break up a day off shopping. Very relaxed atmosphere, simple theming and friendly staff. Ordered via the "app" (it's not great, but that's not this stores issue) and our drinks arrived very quickly. Would definitely come back again.

Couldn't fault the place at all except for the coffee coming in a glass that was too hot to handle. Coffee and cheese scone were excellent and service was fine....plus it's dog friendly which we will remember for next time....

Tried this place for the first time last week. Wooh, after getting over the shock at the prices and debating whether to stay or go, we stayed to give them a try, perhaps the food came wrapped in gold leaf? No, just food like all the other cafes in town but more expensive, a lot more! The staff were really nice and friendly, the coffee was good and the food was nice which is why it gets 4 stars but come on guys, your prices! You are operating in a non-prime location in a characterless building, be careful, without great staff what you are offering can be found in a lot of alternative venues for less money. Newark does not have the tourist trade you are used to in Lincoln.

I visited Saturday, two weeks ago, not yet open. I tried again two weeks later, the last day of November 2024. One of the units, the last unit to be let, of the Travelodge building. The exterior, is just another ugly commercial building. But don’t let that put you off, don’t judge a book by its cover. Step through the door and be pleasantly surprised. When step through the door several things catch the eye simultaneously . To the right a Giesen coffee roaster, separated from the rest of the coffee shop cum restaurant by open shelving, in front of the shelving, coffee sacks. A long wooden table. Directly opposite the entrance a coffee serving area . Slightly to the left an open kitchen. To the left an open plan area, more seating, which at night morphs from a coffee shop into a restaurant. The overall impression, stunning decor,  steampunk and modern. Stokes call it a cafe, which is something of an understatement and somewhat misleading. It is  a coffee shop which on a Friday and Saturday night morphs into a restaurant. On arrival, we were told the kitchen was about to close, we had a couple of minutes to order if we wished to eat. A quick glance at the menu, an order placed for Lincolnshire sausages and mash with vegetables. Why was the kitchen closing at four, did they not serve food in the evening? Yes, it closed at four to clean the kitchen, give the staff a break, then reopened at five. When the meal arrived, the presentation was that of a top end restaurant.and the taste lived up to the expectation of the presentation. I’ve never tasted mashed potatoes of this quality, or the gravy and vegetables. The Lincolnshire sausages could have been cooked a tad longer, though not undercooked. And I’d add I’m being finicky here. The ingredients are sourced locally. Coffee, I ordered espresso, then specified specialty coffee. A choice of Kenyan or fake Blue Mountain. For comparison, served with their cafe quality coffee. A big big difference. I'd recommend ditch the commodity coffee and showcase specialty coffee. A helpful barista brought over the latest Aeropress and demonstrated how to use, and kindly shared with us  his coffee. Not only was the food and coffee excellent,  also the staff. Very pleasant and helpful, excellent service. During the day when coffee is roasted, it is possible to sit at the long table and watch the coffee beans being roasted. The long table would be ideal for coffee cupping and tutorials for example use of pour over, French Press , Aeroppress . The long table needs sanding. Currently there is a risk of splinters if you run your fingers along the table. The shelving could be used for coffee gear. I’d recommend Timemore and Origami. The drinks menu, especially the spirits and cocktails needs to be overhauled and redesigned. Serve craft beer from Neon Raptor in Nottingham. A long time coming, specialty coffee and excellent food in Newark. Well done and congratulations to Nick and his team.

Stokes in Newark is great. The staff are so friendly and accommodating. Its wheelchair accessible and has parking nearby(asda). There's lots of breakfast options and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.