New coffee shop, Sips & Stories, opens on Smithdown Road

Sips & Stories, a new speciality coffee shop, has opened in the heart of South Liverpool on Smithdown Road.

The new coffee shop offers award-winning speciality coffee with a focus on ethically sourced, single-origin beans, hot and cold brews and loose-leaf tea.

New coffee shop, Sips & Stories, opens on Smithdown Road

Open Wednesday to Sunday, accompanying the coffee shop’s selection of hot and cold beverages is an expertly curated selection of sweet and savoury pastries.

Stand outs on the menu include spinach and feta and chicken and vegetable pastries, bagels stuffed with turkey and cream cheese and sweet treats including plant-based cinnamon buns, banana and pecan buns, orange and cardamom buns as well as pastel de nata, cruffins and brownies, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon pick-me-up or mid morning treat.

Working closely with local Wirral-based coffee roaster Adams & Russell, whose affiliates with Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Women’s Cooperatives, at Sips & Stories, every cup tells a story with a rotating selection of single-origin speciality coffees from renowned plantations across the world, all of which have been ethically sourced, as well as a house blend that has won several Great Taste Awards including in 2024.

Each month, Sips & Stories’ coffee selection changes, allowing their community to enjoy and discover new and exciting flavours, from bold, chocolatey richness of South American beans to the fruity and floral notes of African varieties.

Created by friends Anestis Gaitanidis, 40, and Dimitrios Samaras, 36, both from Greece, Sips & Stories marks the pair’s second business venture, having first set up a tech company together that was named one of the top 20 start-ups in Europe.

Anestis grew up surrounded by a rich coffee culture where coffee was more than just a drink – it was a ritual, a moment to pause, connect and share stories. Inspired by the vibrant cafe’ culture of Greece, where every coffee break is an opportunity for conversation and community building, Anestis developed a deep appreciation for high-quality coffee from an early age.

Similarly, Dimitrios is also coffee obsessed and throughout his journey as an entrepreneur, he explored different industries launching ventures, but it was in the world of food and beverage where he found his true calling.

Deciding to turn their passion into a business venture, Anestis and Dimitrios created Sips & Stories, developing a space where guests can gather, share stories, and build connections over a perfectly crafted sip!

While coffee is at the heart of the business, Anestis is also an avid tea enthusiast, ensuring that high-quality loose-leaf teas are an essential part of the café’s menu including eight different flavours.

Anestis Gaitanidis, Co-Owner of Sips & Stories, explained:

“Sips & Stories was born out of a genuine love for coffee, connection and community. Our goal is to create a space where our guests can savour their perfect sip, enjoy a pastry of their choice and meet new and familiar faces.”

Dimitrios Samaras, Co-Owner of Sips & Stories, added: “After perfecting our menu, service and style, Sips & Stories is very excited to welcome guests from Liverpool and beyond to explore our variety of coffee beans and continue to visit time and time again to explore new and exciting flavours as we rotate our guest flavour each month.”