Coffee
mixed with cake
& craft
I
nspired after a trip to the UK, local business woman Emma
Pensini embarked on a new business venture incorporating
two of her loves – coffee and craft. A new concept for the
Tablelands and one of only a handful worldwide, Coffee &
Clay offers customers a place to relax and enjoy some quality
time, coffee and food, as well as painting ceramics.
Coffee & Clay is situated in the Red Sheds in Yungaburra with
other arty businesses. Emma has totally transformed the
space into a modern English farmhouse style that is totally
charming. The space also has room to accommodate her
other business Fine Fettle Gifts and Homewares – a match
made in heaven.
When Emma st umbled across a similar cafe in the UK with
her sister, she was immediately taken in and loved how the
people in the cafe were actually talking to each other as they
painted their ceramics, rather than playing with their phones.
This is what she wants for Coffee & Clay – a space to engage
with each other and reconnect. The location also offers a
lovely view to enjoy which is an added bonus.
Emma Pensini. Photo: Steven Nowakowski
The first thing that strikes you when you walk in, is the
aesthetic beauty and charm of the place. Emma has a natural
gift when it comes to decorating as is evident with her
Fine Fettle Gifts and Homewares business which has been
operating for over six years. She credits her passion for
decorating to her mother who is an accomplished sewer and
curtain maker.
The cafe not only offers great coffee, unique tea blends,
cakes, friands, slices and simple tasty homestyle food, but
also a charming creative space. For something different,
Emma makes her own almond milk to use in the cafe. Their
milk is sourced from Mungalli Creek Dairy and their meat is
from the Yungaburra Butchery with their special free-range
chicken.
The creative part of the cafe comes in where you choose
an unpainted ceramic from their selection, paint it, have it
glazed and fired, and then collect or have it posted to you.
There is no skill required which means everyone can have a
go. Customers are invited to come in and try it anytime. The
concept is perfect for parties, bridal and baby showers, and
Emma also encourages kindergartens, playgroups and other
groups to use the model as a fun fundraiser. Bookings are
required for groups.
Emma's daughters, Abbey and Milly, also work part time
with her at Coffee & Clay where she mentors and helps to
develop their business and hospitality skills. She wants to
demonstrate to them—and other women—that you can
do whatever you put your mind to and be successful. Her
dream is to provide a creative welcoming environment for all
to enjoy, which she already has. Coffee & Clay is open 7 days
Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5pm and weekends 8am to 4pm at
20 Eacham Road, Yungaburra.
September 2018 What’s On & Where To Go 7