This week Ipswich Central announced the winner of the ‘All About Ipswich Independent Business of the Year 2013’, Jaceys Coffee House.

The competition ran from 4^th July when local independent traders within the Ipswich town centre were asked to seek testimonials from their customers in support of the award. All across town we have seen businesses gathering in customer feedback.

An impressive number of people voted, in excess of 2000. After voting had finished a Mystery Shopping team set out to test the top five in the quality of their customer service and products. Their results concluded that Jaceys truly give great service to customers, and that their food is as tasty and scrumptious as stated in the feedback from their customers. In making the award last Thursday evening Terry Hunt, Editor of the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, commented that ,“ Jaceys Coffee House is a wonderful community spirited business – a shining example of what makes Ipswich special and unique”

Today we popped in to see Colin and Jackie Williams to offer our congratulations. We arrived mid-afternoon and the Coffee House was still bustling with customers. The kitchen was busy and the staff were waiting on customers around us. My first choice was whether to have a cup of their House tea, a served in one of many colourful tea-pots, or a cafeteria of freshly ground Columbian coffee … and who could resist the aroma of homemade baking. All the time I was in the Coffee House my eyes were constantly straying towards the impressive selection of mouth watering cakes.

Colin and Jackie were happy to show us their award, which sat proudly on the shelf beside the counter for all customers to see. They were very pleased to have won the award, and talked openly about their loyal customers, many of whom had been customers since they opened 14 years ago, and who had supported them in achieving the award. Jackie talked of young families who have come into the Coffee House over the years, and how she has seen children grow into young adults who still come into Jaceys, but now leave mum at home, coming instead with their friends… and so the word spreads, as people tell others about the great home-cooking that can be experienced when you visit Jaceys.

Colin and Jackie are both trained chefs, and whilst Colin assumes a more ‘front-of-house’ role, Jackie manages the kitchen. This friendly approachable couple are supported in the Coffee House by a great team of staff, including their daughters, Katie & Amy. Colin says that people have stayed loyal customers for many years, and that they feel ‘at home’ when they come to Jaceys. Many customers have become friends over the years, which Colin says adds to that homely feel that customers experience. All in all, Jaceys is a home-from-home eating experience, where service, value, good quality food, and a relaxed family atmosphere have cumulated in this fabulous Coffee House being recognised as the Best Independent Business in Ipswich for 2013.

We congratulate Colin, Jackie, Amy, Katie and the rest of the team on their achievement, and send our best wishes for the future. If you haven’t yet visited Jaceys, why not make the time to pop in and say hello, take time for a tea or coffee and try their speciality, the Jacey’s Melt! Totally yummy, and gets our vote!!

Natalie Chaplin

Blogs and reviews posted on Ipswich Town and Waterfront are generated by the people who make up the community of Ipswich. If you are passionate about Ipswich and have a great story to share about our town then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Natalie Chaplin