Launch date revealed for coffee shop with a difference in Lichfield
A new coffee shop, with a difference, is set to open in the heart of Lichfield next month.
The Auction Café by Richard Winterton Auctioneers opens at 34 Market Street next month.
Offering specialist valuations and auction advice alongside delicious coffee and cake, the Lichfield family firm’s new venture will be open from Monday, December 9, seven days a week.
It is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
As well as hosting 33 covers where people can enjoy speciality coffee, tea, cakes, cream teas, bread and savoury snacks, the Grade II listed premises will offer free valuations of jewellery and antiques.
It will also be a base to find out more about the auction world and the company’s respected house clearance and probate valuation services.
Free valuations of jewellery, watches, gold and silver are already scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 17 – members of the public can just drop in on both days between 9.30am-12pm and 1pm-3.30pm.
The Auction Café is located just yards away from the very first office opened by Wintertons in Breadmarket Street back in 1864.
“We’ve been so excited to mark our 160-year family milestone with this completely new venture in the heart of Lichfield right next door to Samuel Johnson’s Birthplace,” said auctioneer and managing director Richard Winterton.
“Now we are delighted to finally be able to spill the beans on our opening date of December 9.
“Number 34 Market Street is a brilliant location in Lichfield city centre for people to come and have their jewellery, watches, silver and antiques valued and/or treat themselves to some delicious drinks and choice cakes.
“On December 10 and December 17 we are delighted to welcome respected Midlands valuer Georgina Southam FIRV FGA DGA BA (Hons) to The Auction Café.
“A Fellow of both the Institute of Registered Valuers and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, Georgina will be offering free valuations of jewellery, watches, gold and silver at our new premises on those dates.
“It’s a great opportunity to discuss your treasures with an independent specialist in the field and discover what The Auction Café is all about.”
Mr Winterton added: “As well as offering free valuations and specialist advice, we have lots of plans for 2025 including special events and talks covering all aspects of the auction world, so watch this space.”
Celebrating 160 years in 2024, Wintertons has been a driving force in the auction world for seven generations, yielding gavels across Staffordshire since 1864.
With its headquarters remaining at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, the firm opened an additional auction house in Tamworth in 2021.
2022 marked a quarter of a century since Richard Winterton and wife Janet took over the family business and today sons Tom, Ben, Harry and James are all part of the firm.
