About Café au Chocolat
Café au Chocolat is a continental inspired café in the heart of Stamford, Lincolnshire. Influenced by the owner’s background, upbringing and experiences, combined with an insatiable passion for travel and experiencing diverse cultures, Café au Chocolat is intended to bring a little of the continent to Stamford.
Krystyna, a linguist of Polish descent has successfully combined speciality coffee, eye-catching patisserie, authentic French crêpes and of course original luxury chocolates made by French chocolatiers direct from France, to create a café with French ambience. Stocked brands include Comptoir du Cacao (also stocked in Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason) and Valrhona.
The first seed of this vision was sown on Krystyna’s first visit to Poland with her mother at 12 years old. The natural wood and traditional style of an authentic mountainside café captivated her imagination. Later, as a student, she frequently visited the continent and was particularly taken by a popular family-run coffee shop with an impressive range of fresh coffee beans and a knowledge only those passionate about the bean could deliver. The unique aromas of the various coffee beans, ground and brewed on the premises or taken home as an accepted everyday indulgence made an impression.
From this stemmed the desire for Café au Chocolat and a desire to offer the more discerning customer carefully selected speciality coffees for in-house or home consumption, an option to try a different single origin coffee every month using the theatrical brew bar technique; and additionally, quality continental chocolates with high cocoa content to enjoy in the café or to share with friends at home. Café au Chocolat’s focus is on understanding where the product is sourced and training staff in the art of coffee making and knowledge. Coffee is as varied and complex as the wine industry, but little is known about this.
Discover the pleasure of watching your crêpes being made in front of you! Make your choice from the savoury batter made from gluten-free Buckwheat flour, sourced directly from Brittany; or the sweet, traditional white flour crepes; a variety of fillings, including firm favourites lemon and sugar or chocolate and a variety of fresh fruits; or settle on a more substantial brunch inspired by continental cheeses or simple ham and eggs. The possibilities are endless.
The pièce de resistance of the Café au Chocolat experience is the stripped back interiors of its 17th century stone building. Refurbished by the owners to expose the fine stone and timber structure and an original 17th century cast iron stove. Rustic leather sofas and suede covered bar stools make the café chic and cosy, ideal to meet friends, take some quiet time or complete work tasks. The building is suitable for disabled customers and offers free wifi. daily newspapers baby changing facilities. Chocolate tasters are frequently available too!
Through their passion, the team at Café au Chocolat, hope to spread their love of coffee and cocoa beans. This is a café with a difference, a certain je ne sais quoi.
