Free birthday cake in Lichfield! Join us as The Auction Café turns one

Coffee, cake and free valuations

A POPULAR Lichfield coffee shop is celebrating its first year in business.

The Auction Café in Market Street turns one this month and to mark the occasion, customers are invited along on Thursday, December 11, to celebrate with a free birthday cake with any hot drink – while stocks last!

"What a year it has been," said auctioneer and managing director Richard Winterton.

“Lichfield is where it all started off for Wintertons, with our first office in Breadmarket Street back in 1864, so it was especially exciting to open our new venture just a few yards away in a Grade II listed Georgian building next to Samuel Johnson’s Birthplace.

“Customers immediately loved the concept of offering free valuations and specialist advice alongside a delicious range of drinks, cakes and snacks and we've had wonderful support from people not just in Lichfield and Burntwood and local villages but from further afield too.

"Throughout the year, our busy programme of regular valuations has uncovered tens of thousands of pounds' worth of all types of items from jewellery, watches and silver to coins, toys and stamps.

"I'd like to pay tribute to all our hardworking members of staff who have made The Auction Café such a welcoming place to visit in the heart of Lichfield and I'd also like to thank all our customers, regular and new, who make the venue such a wonderful community."

Richard added: "We have lots of plans for 2026 so watch this space."

Open seven days a week, The Auction Café offers speciality coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, cakes, cream teas, pastries, toasties, bagels and savoury snacks.

Special make-your-own Christmas hampers are now available to order, with prices starting from £16.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers has recently launched a new partnership with Lichfield Camera Club, which sees members' photographs of Lichfield and the surrounding area showcased in The Auction Café.

In the run-up to Christmas, free drop-in valuations of jewellery, watches, gold and silver with Midlands gemmologist Georgina Southam FIRV FGA DGA BA (Hons) take place at the café on Tuesdays December 9, 16 and 23 between 9.30am and 3pm.

Different specialists offer valuations most Wednesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

On Wednesday, December 3, numismatics expert Phil Bridge will be assessing coins and banknotes.

December 10 will see Jon Price evaluating all types of toys, trains, railwayana, die-cast models, Action Man, Sindy and Barbie.

And on December 17, Richard Winterton will be offering valuations of general antiques and collectables plus advice on house clearances and the auction process.

The Auction Café’s opening hours over the Christmas period can be viewed here.