This week, we got 'up close' with Stray's coffee shop, located in the centre of Oakham.

Stray's officially launched in 2003, and has branches in Newark, Market Harborough and Oakham. 

Since opening the Oakham store in 2018, the coffee shop, eatery and entertainment venue has amassed a loyal following. 

However, the team have been struggling to return to their former glory since the Covid-19 pandemic and the crippling state that it left many local, independent businesses in. 

Pick up a bag of house blend coffee in store at Stray's, or enjoy a fresh brew to drink in or takeaway. Image credit: Nub News.

Now though, they are ready to make their comeback, and have big plans for the High Street venue. 

Under new management, the coffee shop and popular lunch and snack stop are excited to welcome new and returning patrons to indulge in a range of home and handmade cakes and treats, as well as burgers, sandwiches, breakfast and brunch meals and more. 

They will also be opening their doors on a Sunday, starting on Sunday 27 June. 

Join the Stray's mailing list via the link below. Image credit: Stray's.

Join their mailing list here.  

The team said: "Oakham is very quiet on Sundays, so it will be great to be able to provide a service for those who enjoy spending time in the beautiful market town.

"We have had some wonderful customers supporting us throughout some difficult times, and they really have been with us.

"We haven't been ready to expand and grow, and we are now."

On top of this, they are teaming up with Hudjo, a bicycle parking platform for user owned mobility that operates alongside local businesses like Stray's. 

Charlie from Hudjo explained: "Hudjo is an app that enables cyclists to easily find and securely park within the premises of local businesses (think Airbnb but for parking your bike). 

"Cyclists can safely leave their bikes at Stray's, and fully enjoy everything Oakham has to offer with the peace of mind that their bike will be in one piece upon their return. 

"It currently costs 1p a minute - pennies for peace of mind." 

Rutland residents can download the Hudjo app and park their bike inside the store for only 1p per minute. Image credit: Charlie, Hudjo.

The team hope that this will make the venue a popular spot not only with cycling groups and leisure riders, but with local people who can enjoy the guarantee of having a safe place to park and leave your bike – stress free. 

The Stray's team explained: "We have many local cyclists on our team. Amy, who runs the shop is a keen cyclist, for example, so we get it! 

"We want to both welcome cyclists to the shop, and provide a wider service to the people of Oakham."

Find out more about Hudjo and download the app here.

There are 4 new bike parking spaces at Stray's coffee shop, Oakham High Street. Image credit: Charlie, Hudjo.

They continued: "The pandemic was terminal for so many, including those who enjoy getting out and about, so we hope that this will help. 

"It has been a tough time, because Oakham has changed, trends have changed, so we are keen to get back to providing more. 

"We will be investing in the town, so we hope that the town invests in us." 

Finally, the team have hinted that they are keen to bring their once-popular live music and jazz nights back.

Pre-pandemic, the store played host to regular evening events, jazz evenings, and held a licence for alcohol.

Their Newark branch has already sprung back, and has launched a new cocktail lounge for visitors to enjoy, and there are plans for Oakham to follow suit, with renovations and and additions tailored to meet the needs of the local people. 

Watch this space for the return of the venue, with brand new management and customer service teams, a revamped menu and a range of new events on the horizon.  

The team will also be introducing CBD coffee, as well as selling their own range of coffee in store and to take away, as well as beans and ground coffee for you to enjoy at home – so watch this space!  

For now, you can pop in for a coffee, cake, meal or catch up with the team.  

Alternatively, head to their website to find out more.

Opening times are:

Mon to Sat, 9am to 4pm 

Sunday, 10am to 4pm

Pop in to Stray's in Oakham High Street to grab a cake, coffee, snack and have a catch up with staff old and new. Image credit: Charlie, Hudjo.

Find the venue at:

Stray's

2 High Street

Oakham

Rutland

LE156AL

The team at Stray's of Oakham source and serve a range of cakes, snacks and more. Image credit: Nub News.