A New Chapter for Oakham's Oldest Bank Esquires Coffee Takes Over Former HSBC Site

A significant new chapter is beginning for one of Oakham High Street's oldest and most historic buildings, as the Esquires Coffee chain prepares to move into the former HSBC Bank site. This transition marks the end of an era for the premises as a financial institution and opens up the hopeful possibility of restoring hidden architectural treasures for the community.

The building has a rich and storied history, echoing the evolution of British banking itself. Its earliest known incarnation was as a branch of the Leicestershire Banking Company, a regional institution that played a key role in financing local trade and industry. This original use is a testament to the building's longevity and its crucial position in the town's commerce for decades.

As banking consolidated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the local company was acquired, and the premises became a branch of the Midland Bank. It later became part of the global HSBC group following the 1992 takeover. For generations of Oakham residents, this building was simply "the bank."

While the building's exterior often retains its imposing, confidence-inspiring architecture—a common feature of historic bank design the interior tells a different story. As is often the case with long-serving commercial premises, modern occupants brought changes.

The challenge noted is that the more recent tenancies by Midland Bank and HSBC involved modernisation that regrettably covered or removed many of the original architectural features. Old banking halls, designed with ornate plasterwork, high ceilings, intricate joinery, or unique flooring, were often replaced with functional, standardised office interiors. This has meant that for decades, the true character of this historic space has been hidden from view.

The arrival of Esquires Coffee presents a rare opportunity for architectural restoration. When former bank premises are converted into restaurants, cafes, or retail spaces, the new tenants often choose to strip back the modern additions to reveal the historic grandeur beneath, using it as a key part of their branding and atmosphere.

There is a strong hope that Esquires, or the building’s developers, will take on the important task of repairing and restoring the original features that have been concealed. Reviving elements like Original high ceilings.

It would not only pay tribute to the building's history but also significantly enhance the High Street's character and provide a unique, appealing venue for customers.