Chris Brandrick

Update — The Union Espresso Bar closed in April after five months of trading. 

Union Espresso Bar, a new Lincoln coffee shop, has opened its doors on Monks Road, targeting local young professionals and students.

During opening day The Lincolnite sat down to speak with co-owner Chris Weaver about his new local business venture.

Situated across the road from Lincoln College, the new coffee shop wants to fight the chains with cheap quality coffee.

Weaver has worked in the coffee industry for over four years, within various coffee shops in the city, in addition to establishing his own coffee website.

From this, the desire to run his own coffee shop quickly grew, and when the opportunity came around, Weaver joined Angel Coffee House owner Max Wilson.

Four months later, and the Union Espresso Bar is now here.

New local coffee venture: Barista Lee Griffin (25) (L) and Co-Owner Chris Weaver (23) (R)

A comeback for Monks Road

The shop hopes to attract local residents and business workers alike, as Weaver believes “Monks Road is on its way towards something of a come back within the next few years.”

He was also keen to mention the nearby college students, stating that the Union Espresso Bar’s prices were “aimed towards students, making them doable for them”:

“Our average coffee price is going to be around £1.80, for things like a Cappuccino and a Flat White. Latte, Teas and Hot Chocolate come in at £2.00. Cheaper drinks, such as a Stumpy or an Espresso shot will cost just £1.60.”

Coffee drinkers can get rewards too if they hand over their name and email address for the Mark Of The Union scheme.

The scheme includes various discounts, future event tickets, a free badge, and a heads up on what’s happening at the Monks Road shop.

Weaver pointed out that the scheme is unlike other “passe loyalty card schemes” where you see people with up-to “three or four loyalty cards in their wallet”, something Weaver sees as “not very loyal” at all.

The Union Espresso Bar is now open, and can be found at 3 Monks Road. The cafe is open 7.30am until 5.30pm on weekdays, and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Coffee prices start at £1.60.

Award-winning city centre coffee shop Coffee Aroma has introduced a new book exchange program.

Those now visiting the Guildhall Street shop will find a growing selection of books available for coffee lovers to both read and exchange for their own.

However, this new system called the Coffee Aroma Book Exchange has a simple set of rules that customers must adhere to before the book swapping can begin.

Coffee Aroma on Guildhall Street

Customers who want to take part will need to bring in two unwanted books, which are in a good condition, to get started.

These two books will then need to be stamped — once stamped the books can then enter the range of titles on offer, in exchange for one book already within the collection.

Two books given for one back is in place so that the library of titles is ever-changing, offering customers a wider choice.

For those without books to swap, all titles within the collection are available to buy. Any book can be picked up for £2.50.

All Book Exchange takings being donated to coffee welfare charity Coffee Kids.

The Coffee Aroma Book Exchange can be found now in the Snug, upstairs at Coffee Aroma on Guildhall Street.

Source: Coffee Aroma