Having a cup of coffee while doing work in a cosy space is a perfect combo for some, giving the needed boost to stay focused and productive throughout the day – a concept that local brand Let’s Coffee hopes to offer.
Business owners Arif Zaidi, Syafiq Rashid and Hanafi Zaini currently brewing at The Learner’s Bar in Kiulap, a shared space with another business Jomtesliyur.
Let’s Coffee began as a pop-up shop in 2021 and has gained positive response ever since which gave them the confidence to start their own physical store in December 2022, brewing specialty coffee daily.
Image: Nurhana Diah
For them, the inspiration for the cafe is similar to other rising small entrepreneurship businesses – started as an idea turned hobby from home due to the pandemic.
One of the founders, Hanafi, picked up the coffee hobby and bought his own coffee machine and began experimenting with the different beans in search of his own signature taste.
Prior to the business, his friends who are the current business partners often come to his place to have a chat over homemade coffee. The frequent meetings then sparked the idea among them to create their own business.
Image: Nurhana Diah
“This worked well for us as our business ideas are different but is something that can be combined into one,” said Hanafi, giving them the opportunity to focus on their business while sharing the same space.
What they work with now is The Learner’s Bar – a shared space for people to do work, study and hang out while enjoying drinks served by Let’s Coffee whereas Jom Tersliyur offers scrumptious homemade food.
Since their operations in December, they now have a selection of coffee and non-coffee drinks for customers to choose from such as Caramel Latte, Rose Latte, Rose Americano, Chocolate, Tea, Matcha and Mojito.
Image: Nurhana Diah
Currently, a fan favourite drink is the Rose Latte, which has a unique sweet taste as well as the Matcha, another local favourite.
For quality specialty coffee, Let’s Coffee chooses its coffee beans carefully and blends them into its perfect recipe.
Although they have now found a recipe for their brewing, Hanafi shared that it took them a while to get the whole process and flavour right.
“Another challenge that we face is trying to maintain the taste of our coffee so we always try to keep our beans fresh,” shared the entrepreneur.
Image: Nurhana Diah
The 26-year-old added that when they first started, the coffee market was on the rise, especially during the pandemic. People wanted to know more about coffee, taste different kinds and find the one that best fits their taste.
This is the perfect timing as people wanted to explore the different cafes in Brunei and that includes Let’s Coffee.
Customers also become intrigued when they find out that Let’s Coffee is in collaboration with a study cafe, which is ideal for students to do their assignments or people to do work.
Image: Nurhana Diah
As the café is still new, they plan on making the shop a success that they hope to not only expand their menu but also to get bigger space and open a new branch.
In terms of their coffee menu, they are looking into offering variations of coffee such as filter coffee and cold brews.
For the owners, venturing into the business also means realising their idea, passion and hard work.
Visit Let’s Coffee at The Learners’ Bar located on the first floor, Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman bin Awang Hassan and check out their Instagram @letscoffee.bn.
Image: Nurhana Diah
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
