A brand new ethically-focused coffee shop is brewing in Stratford.
A brand new ethically-focused coffee shop is brewing in Stratford.
Esquires Coffee is the first commercial unit to open at Orbit’s £40m Arden Quarter as part of the site’s overall development, creating 11 new jobs.
Part of an international chain, Esquires is one of the UK’s fastest growing ethical franchises.
Esquires Arden owner, Martin Brown, explained: “The thing that sets Esquires apart from other coffee houses, is our community focus and our ethical approach to business. So, in addition to only selling premium Fairtrade and organic coffee, we have a zero to landfill policy and we try to support our local communities whenever possible.”
Esquires Arden is working with Stratford High School to promote students’ art work, it is providing job opportunities and Barista training to those who are experiencing barriers-to-work and it is offering customers the chance to ‘gift’ coffee to other people through its loyalty scheme. Esquires also partners with Too Good To Go to fight food waste. Indeed, by downloading the ‘Too Good To Go’ app, customers can save food that is fully delicious, but would otherwise need to be thrown out at the end of the day – think about pastries, sandwiches, cakes and so much more!
Martin, who started his career in the Armed Forces and then worked in industry, said: “The ethical and social aspect was very important to Esquires and to me and is something that I really want to build on in Stratford. Having a 10-year lease with Orbit will give me the time to really grow and develop the business and to push this community aspect.”
Cheryl Flavell, Placemaking and Partnerships Manager at Orbit added: “Because of Orbit’s profit for purpose ethos, it makes perfect sense to work with Esquires. A coffee shop is ideal for Arden Quarter, especially as it is located opposite the train station, and to have a business with a social focus is an added bonus. Orbit has an excellent relationship with Stratford High School and this has been further developed so that the art students there can display their work at Esquires. The work that Martin is planning all helps us to build thriving communities and I am sure Esquires will prove a welcome addition to Stratford.”
Established in Canada in 1993, Esquires Coffee was founded with the aim of delivering amazing coffee, in cool environments with remarkable service, while supporting ethical and sustainable business practices.
Esquires Arden offers a selection of drinks and food, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, to eat in or take away. It will be open daily (7am-6pm Mon-Fri; 8am-6pm Saturday and 9am-5.30pm Sunday). Further information can be found on Instagram @Esquirescoffeearden
Orbit’s Arden Quarter development offers 189 homes for sale, affordable rent, shared ownership, help to buy and retirement living for people aged 55-plus.