Something’s been brewing: first-in-class barista training for Beverley students 

Elwell’s is Beverley’s best kept secret. With quaint views of the Beverley Minster, local residents are welcomed inside to the smiling faces of East Riding College’s students. Catering students hone their skills by cooking up delicious dishes while their colleagues on food and drink service courses expertly cater to the customers. 

It’s the perfect place to pop for a coffee: and the brews just got even better. 

The perfect partnership

Stokes Tea & Coffee are now the official, branded coffee supplier of Elwell’s restaurant. Established in 1892, the family-owned business has become a Lincolnshire legend in roasting and brewing. They are experts in coffee, producing their own unique blends with beans ethically sourced from sustainable farms.  

As part of this newly formed partnership, they have kindly serviced the espresso machine and upgraded Elwell’s cups and saucers. Further, they provided enough of their home roasted beans to last for the rest of the year with which to make their special recipe coffees! 

Terrific tearoom training 

Keen to work with the next generation of baristas, Stokes also donated two professional barista training kits, including scales, jugs, and thermometers.  

Putting the kits to good use, Stoke’s Head Training Manager, Mike Palliser, made a trip to the restaurant to share his knowledge with our catering students. Taking them through a day-long workshop, he taught students about the theory behind the perfect cup of coffee, from the different types of coffee plants to caffeine consumption and effects. 

Mike also provided hands-on training for our budding baristas. Educating them on magnesium and calcium levels in water affecting taste and walking them through how to set up an espresso machine, students were given the chance to prepare, brew, and taste their own coffee. 

Stokes even donated a special student prize for the best latte art in training! 

Life-long skills for students 

Food and hospitality tutor Jono Seward was keen to make the best use of Elwell’s industry-standard espresso machine. He wanted to give students valuable, real-world skills that they could not only take into the catering industry long term but utilise in the now with part-time jobs alongside their studies. 

“Working with Stokes Tea & Coffee has been a pleasure! I approached them as I knew that they were keen to develop the knowledge and skills of young people in the region, and they have been so enthusiastic about our needs so far. 

“They’ve even invited our students to visit them in Lincoln to see the roasting house and coffee shops in action! 

“It was great to see Mike sharing his wisdom and helping our students become better baristas. These are skills that they’ll have for life, giving them a competitive advantage in the industry. 

“I’d like to thank Stokes Tea & Coffee for all they’ve done so far, and we look forward to bringing their blends to the residents of Beverley!”