In this week’s episode, Colin talks to two entrepreneurial sisters, Hannah Huntly and Beth Tchie, about their award-winning speciality coffee shops, in the heart of Ipswich.

Previously an Illustrator and a Property Consultant, Hannah and Beth became inspired by the coffee shop culture in London, and developed a shared desire to open their own speciality coffee shop. Their dream about bringing this experience to Ipswich became a reality when they opened the doors of Applaud Coffee on St Peters Street back in 2013. Here, they joined a community of thriving independent businesses and their reputation quickly grew as they welcomed customers to enjoy their freshly baked cakes and delicious coffee, inside their Grade II listed building, or al fresco in the beautiful courtyard garden. 

Going from strength to strength, they soon opened a second site, in the entrance of Crown House in Ipswich’s town centre. It’s wonderful to hear how Hannah and Beth’s hard work and talent have been recognised, as they were awarded the ‘Best coffee shop in Suffolk’ by the EADT Food & Drink Awards, as well as the ‘Favourite Cafe’ in Ipswich’s Favourite Food & Drink Awards as voted by the public.

They also explain to Colin the reason behind the rise in popularity of the Flat White – it’s all in the ratios apparently!