Independent coffee shop to open in former Monsoon store

Why it matters: The letting brings an independent operator to a prominent vacant unit on Ipswich's main retail pitch, and adds to the growing café offer at the Cornhill end of Westgate Street.

The details: Crema Coffee Shop has signed a 10-year lease on the property, which has a total area of around 538.40 sq m (5,795 sq ft), through commercial property agents Penn Commercial.

• The business has been based in Long Wyre Street in Colchester city centre for the past seven years.
• It is run by two brothers from Colchester, Adrian and Aaron, who lead the brand and day-to-day vision.
• Work will start shortly on a bespoke fit-out of the property, which features a curved historic frontage and a Listed decorative ceiling on the ground floor.

What they're saying: "Ipswich is a growing town with a strong community feel, and we felt there was a real opportunity to introduce a true speciality coffee offering here," said Adrian.

"This is not just about serving coffee, it's about creating a space where people can rely on quality, consistency, and a great overall experience every time they visit."

Aaron said the shop would use "advanced systems, such as Reverse Osmosis, to control water quality" and "precision milk technology to ensure perfect texture and consistency in every drink."

He added that the shop would also offer "a range of freshly-prepared food, made in-house every morning," and would be fully dog-friendly.

Rachael Jackson of Penn Commercial said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming Crema Coffee Shop to Ipswich, who we know will make an extremely positive impact on our town centre, and will help to rejuvenate the far end of Westgate Street.

"We can't wait to see the results of their extensive fit-out in due course and look forward to sampling their delicious fayre and excellent hospitality when they open their doors for business."

For context: The unit sits on the crossroads of Westgate Street and Museum Street, close to several public car parks and a bus stop. Other occupiers on Westgate Street include Primark, Marks & Spencer, Clarks, JD Sports and Lovisa, while the wider area is home to Starbucks, Caffè Nero and Jamaica Blue on the Cornhill.

The news comes in the same week that the town has welcomed two new businesses to the high street: Romanian butcher Magazin Romanesc Maestro on Carr Street, and gift store Ivory Pearl on Buttermarket.

What's next: Crema Coffee Shop is expected to open at 33 Westgate Street soon, though no opening date has been confirmed.

The bottom line: The arrival of Crema Coffee Shop fills one of Westgate Street's larger vacant units with an independent operator, and marks the Essex business's first move into Suffolk.

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