Esquires Coffee in Melton

We visited Melton for the Tuesday market and decided to pop in here for a drink and biscuits whilst we were there. No offer of help to take the drinks to our table despite it being perfectly evident we are "less mobile". Bloke with a big unhygienic beard handling food and drinks. Abruptly told by his oppo to "sit down and I'll shout when it's ready". Toilets basic and not that clean and customers, and people walking in off the street to use them, left the door open a few times after using it. Too idle to slide it shut ! Not pleasant when it opens straight into the cafe. Quite a simple process to close it - slides in the opposite direction to opening it. We visit Melton three or four times a year but will give this place a miss when we return.

Normally the service is excellent, but Friday 12th April '24, it was patronising stroppy school dinner lady stuff. What normally happens, if you're eating in, you order, pay & find a table. The order is then brought to you. The prices are high & that is the service you expect. On the day, the stroppy dinner lady, matriarch, bossy housewife type, didn't want to bring a second coffee downstairs, & told me rudely to "wait at the end". The place wasn't busy, no-one was waiting; she just couldn't be bothered. I now go to Maccy's & pay £2.98 for a large coffee & porridge - which is brought to the table by a polite & charming member of staff. While I'm writing. There is no menu as such. There's only a basic blackboard listing behind the counter. This doesn't tell you there's a 'special' £5 deal on a small coffee + a bacon or sausage roll. Usually, its about £6+ for a coffee + something else. This can go to £9+ for a coffee & porridge. Since there is no menu to tell you what you 'should' get, you can get an unpleasant surprise. If the dinner lady can't be bothered, you get a porridge minus some of the trimmings, but pay the same price £4+. Also, the bowl, which could double as a blast furnace crucible, is stone cold. If you're in a hurry & want a take away, its a pain. If you just want one of the tasty baguettes, you get the baguette + plain crisps + salad + they pour on the dressing; & try eating that in the cab of a lorry. If you don't know, you're there for 5 - 10 mins while they prat about putting all that together. They'll serve just the baguette, but at the same price! The food, coffee, most of the staff, & interior are excellent, but some staff have to spoil it.

First visit today after my usual haunt was closed with it being Monday. Pleasantly surprised. The staff are lovely, great ham and cheese toastie (proper ham) and salmon bagel, both served with crisps and salad garnish with dressing. Lovely quality coffees served in fab cups and saucers. Really love the decor and great comfy chairs too. Great spot overlooking the market place on all sides. Would highly recommend. Prices are standard, but better quality food and coffee than their mainstream competitors, by a long way.

Melton Mowbray bears it’s “Rural Capital of Food” soubriquet with pride. It also boast several first rate coffee shops, including the recently opened Esquires. Primarily a classical coffeehouse, it is perfectly pitched in an attractive local landmark building overlooking the Town’s ancient Market Place. Imaginatively decorated along a rather rustic theme, with some 50 or so covers (ground floor, basement and off-pavement), it offers a variety of excellent organic coffees, tasty accompanying treats, as well as light breakfasts & simple lunches. The staff proved to be eager to please, with service friendly and efficient. Prices are pretty much on a par with similar establishments nearby. My flat white was simply superb, as was the accompanying muffin. You certainly get what you pay for. Despite some stiff nearby competition, Esquires has hit the scene running and deserves to succeed. Just take care if opting for the intimate basement to sample the excellent wares - the stairs thereto are narrow, steep and not for anyone a tad unsteady on their, pins!