Leamington has welcomed a new family run cafe.

The Caffeine Project, opened its doors on Regent Street last week, in the unit formerly occupied by Lola Cafe.

The cafe is the latest addition to the already thriving businesses founded by husband and wife and coffee connoisseurs, from Warwick, Lisa and Rafael Hernandez.

The couple first opened their Caffeine Project coffee house at Binley Woods at the end of 2021 – and have since followed it up with The Hide in Harbury Lane.

The business began with Raf's ambition to create something of his own after spending a decade working in the coffee industry.

"I've always wanted my own business and coffee has always been my passion" Raf explained.

Starting from scratch wasn't easy.

The couple launched their own coffee brand first, sharing their products by established names.

"It was difficult," Lisa admitted.

"Nobody knew who we were and we had to show people what we could do."

Rather than opening cafés immediately, they focused on supplying freshly roasted coffee to independent businesses.

When the pandemic disrupted hospitality, they adapted again, finding new ways to grow rather than standing still.

Instead of completely redesigning the Regent Street unit, the couple have chosen to preserve much of its history, while thoughtfully adding their own personality.

This includes the existing artwork, designed by local muralist Emily Marlowe, aka Mama Murals,

For instance, the mural at the back of the cafe remains and still showcases the journey of the cafe's previous owners, Katie and James, including a tribute to Katie's late father.

"We didn't want to lose what people already loved about the building.

"We wanted to respect its history, while also making it our own," explained Lisa.

Discussing their own journey, Lisa and Raf shared they too have worked closely with muralist Emily over the years.

Much of the cafe's branding and interior illustrations have also been created by Emily, including designs on the coffee packaging.

"We really trust Emily and her work has always captured exactly what we've wanted to show" shared the couple.

Lisa further noted that using local talent and supporting businesses in the area has always been very important to the couple.

"We wanted to use as many local people as possible. If we can give talented people a platform to showcase their work, then that's great and something we're really proud of" added Lisa.

Even small details throughout the cafe pay tribute to the building's past, ensuring the new business feels connected to the community rather than replacing it. This includes the illustration of a fish - a nod to the site's former time as the fish shop, Regency Fish.

Although the cafe prides itself on serving exceptional coffee, Raf was quick to point out that education is just as important as what goes into the cup.

The coffee itself reflects this philosophy. Beans are sourced from countries including Honduras, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, with each chosen for both quality and the relationships built with growers.

Environmental sustainability also plays a role, including the use of naturally water-processed decaffeinated coffee rather than chemical decaffeination.

The couple speak just as passionately about their staff as they do about coffee.

Many team members have been with them for years, with some taking on responsibilities far beyond their original roles. Staff contribute photography, social media, baking, illustration and even roasting.

"If someone has a skill, we want to encourage it.

"We want people to grow with us and we support them with their goals, whether that be to open their own coffee shop one day" the couple shared.

The business is truly family-run.

The couple work side by side every day, while their children also sometimes help out around the cafés.

And working together, has only strengthened their relationship

"We communicate all the time now," they laughed.

"We're together constantly, but we actually get on better because we understand exactly what each other is dealing with."

Running multiple businesses leaves little time for holidays, but neither seems interested in slowing down.

"No one opens an independent café to become a billionaire! "You do it because you love it" Raf joked.

Alongside the new Leamington café, the business also operates a deli, afternoon tea room and wholesale coffee supply operation.

Despite the expansion, they have no interest in growing too quickly.

"We'd rather do things slowly and get them right."

For Raf and Lisa, success isn't measured merely by the number of locations they own, but by the communities they build.

Word of mouth remains their favourite form of advertising.

"The nicest thing is seeing customers tell their friends about us," the couple shared.

Judging by the warm welcome they've already received in Leamington, it seems that the community is already beginning to grow.

And for Raf and Lisa, that's exactly what good coffee has always been about.

Find out more about the Caffeine Project here.