Winning the title of Coffee Shop of the Year was a sweet treat for sisters-in-law Catriona Farquharson and Kate Farquharson.
The pair, who own Finzean Estate’s Farm Shop and Tearoom, were awarded the accolade at the Evening Express Retailer Awards, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired.
The coffee shop was formerly an old farm building, which Catriona and Kate completely transformed in 2006.
The pair entered into the running for Coffee Shop/Café of the Year after deciding they wanted to be recognised for their efforts on a local level.
Catriona said: “(Last year) was the first year we entered the awards and we just felt it was something we wanted to get involved in to see how we would get on.”
Catriona said the awards ceremony was a great night and provided a chance to mingle with other businesses.
She said: “The event was brilliant and we were absolutely delighted to win.
“There was a great range of people and a high quality of standard of businesses that entered into the awards, so it was nice to be shortlisted against such a great bunch of people.”
With a total of 15 awards up for grabs this year the awards are a great opportunity for retailers to promote themselves.
Catriona said she and Kate saw a surge in customers after they scooped their award. She said: “People definitely spend time looking at our award in the farm shop and many more people came out to the tearoom after we had won at the awards – so the exposure in the paper was great in aiding that too.”
Sponsors of this year’s Coffee Shop/Café of the Year award, Caber Coffee, which was established in 1988 and imports espresso direct from Italy, has become a name synonymous with speciality coffee in the North-east.
Caber Coffee has a range of coffee, tea, ancillaries and equipment. The firm opened its own barista training facility in 2016.
Director Findlay Leask said: “We at Caber are delighted to be supporting the Evening Express Retailer Awards in 2017.
“We appreciate just how much hard work goes into running a successful business, particularly in the retail sector, and we are proud to be able to be part of this event to recognise the dedication of the individuals behind their success.”
Entries for the Evening Express Retailer Awards close on July 24.
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