Cafe in Lincoln

About the Café

Step through the ancient doors of Stokes High Bridge Café in Lincoln and be transported back in time. Nestled on the historic High Bridge, which spans the River Witham, our café is in one of England’s most unique locations. The High Bridge, built around 1160, is the only Medieval bridge in the country still adorned with buildings. Our iconic home, standing tall since 1540, is steeped in history, offering an atmosphere rich in heritage.

There is something truly special about the High Bridge Café. It is our soul, our heart, and holds a special place for all of us, this is where our journey as a catering business began. So many stories and so many guests have passed through its doors over the years. It’s a place where generations come together; we see grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters meeting to celebrate a birthday with our afternoon tea. It’s moments like these that make the Highbridge Café extraordinary.

Stokes Tea & Coffee is a fourth-generation family business built on a passion for delivering excellence since 1902. The Highbridge Café is at the heart of our story, and it’s more than just a location; it’s a symbol of our commitment to quality, community, and tradition. You’ll find echoes of its influence everywhere—in our logo, our signature products, and our dedication to the values that have guided us for over a century.

For true coffee aficionados, Stokes High Bridge Café is a dream come true. Our extensive selection of award-winning freshly roasted, single-origin beans and expertly crafted blends will leave you spoiled for choice. Whether you’re craving the smoothness of a creamy cappuccino, the kick of a freshly brewed coffee, or something a little out of the ordinary, we have something to satisfy your tastebuds. 

Tea lovers are equally well catered for, with over 30 loose-leaf teas on our menu. We recommend our award-winning Gold Medal Tips to Flo’s Mix, a Stokes original created in the 1970s by one of our long-serving waitresses. Our teas and coffees are also available to purchase in the shop, making the perfect gift. 

At Stokes High Bridge Café, we believe in serving food that’s as fresh as it is delicious. Choose from our range of authentic snacks, salads, and sandwiches, all freshly made to order using locally sourced ingredients. Looking for something more substantial? Our menu features a variety of hearty, homemade dishes that are sure to satisfy you. Whether it’s breakfast, luncheon, or afternoon tea, there’s always something to tempt your taste buds.

Our menus are regularly updated to reflect seasonal offerings, so while our dishes are always delightful, specific items and prices may vary. For the most current information, please contact us directly.

Beyond our Rainforest Alliance certification, we're proud to support charities that make a real difference. Our chosen charity is Shine, a Lincolnshire-based mental health organisation dedicated to empowering individuals on their mental health journey. 

We also support Project Waterfall and partner with St. Francis Special School to support young volunteers.

Afternoon Tea Bookings

We accept bookings for afternoon tea, a quintessential experience in our historic café. It's served in one of our upstairs rooms with beautiful views of the city and river, with everything served on fine china. From delicate sandwiches and our famous scones to Lincolnshire sausage rolls and homemade mini quiches, it’s an absolute treat. We welcome walk-ins for all other services.

Private Events

Looking for a unique venue for your special occasion? Our top floor is available for private bookings, making it the perfect setting for weddings, baby showers, or work events. For more details, guests can reach out to info@stokes-coffee.co.uk.

*Menus are regularly reviewed, meaning prices and items may have changed. For more information please contact us. 

We only accept bookings for afternoon tea. We offer a walk ins for any other services.

Evenings

Find out about our dining and cocktails after dark every Friday & Saturday evening at Late at the Lawn.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Stokes High Bridge Café, where history, hospitality, and exceptional food and drink come together.