Take a look inside Oakham's 'jazzed up' café - which is also coming to Stamford
A coffee shop with live jazz has brought sweet music to Oakham coffee lovers.
Now, Stray's Coffee is set to open a Stamford branch after Christmas.
The Newark-based company previously operated a chain of book stores, with branches in both Stamford and Oakham.
Co-owner Mat Short says knowing both towns from this helped the return of the family-owned company.
Three weeks ago, Stray's Coffee opened at 2 High Street, Oakham, in a former TV and video shop.
About £100,000 has been spent converting the premises, which will offer freshly made food to order, as well as regular music. A jazz night has already started on Saturdays, with Fridays soon to follow.
Stray's Coffee has also sought to redevelop the former NatWest Bank in Stamford, but is now planning to open its Stamford branch at 9 High Street, the former home of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which closed in September, after being 'at risk' of closure for several months.
Mat says his food, made on the premises, plus the music, makes Strays different to other cafés.
It is this recipe which has seen the Newark branch grow, since Mat opened the café with his sister Liz Mack in 2003.
After three weeks of trading in Oakham, Mat said: “It's been crazy - better than we initially projected.”
Eight jobs were created in the Oakham café, with 10 or more likely in the larger Stamford branch.
Mat said the Stamford branch is currently going through the planning process, but recruitment has begun.
When staff at the Oakham café are 'up to speed', Mat will then project-manage Stamford’s opening, which he expects will be after Christmas.
The company plans further expansion and is seeking a site in Lincoln. There are also plans to open a branch in Market Harborough.
To read more about Stray's and to apply for the jobs, go to www.strays.coffee
