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Summary

In this video, the hosts explore the journey of a married couple who opened a coffee shop called 'Ngopi' in London, blending Indonesian flavors with the local culture. They discuss the challenges of starting a business in the UK, such as navigating regulations, finding suppliers, and adapting to customer preferences. The couple shares insights about their coffee shop's concept, its appeal to both locals and expats, and the importance of hospitality. They also highlight the blend of Indonesian food and coffee culture, from 'Indomie' to 'ayam penyet', which has captured the interest of diverse clientele.

Takeaways

• 😀 The hosts, Mira and her husband, are owners of a coffee shop in London called 'Ngopi', and they discuss their journey from high school sweethearts to successful entrepreneurs in the UK.
• 😀 They both pursued their master's degrees in the UK, where they received an email offering an opportunity to start a business in London after graduation, which they decided to pursue.
• 😀 Before moving to London, they already had a coffee shop in Kemang, Jakarta, showing that they were already business-minded before venturing into the UK market.
• 😀 They emphasize that starting a business in the UK involves a detailed process, such as setting up a company, dealing with permits, and adhering to specific regulations for food safety and business operations.
• 😀 Their coffee shop has a unique concept, blending Indonesian culture and flavors, such as offering Indonesian dishes like Ayam Penyet and Bakso, while also attracting a diverse, international clientele.
• 😀 They use a very personalized customer service approach, focusing on hospitality and building strong relationships with customers to encourage loyalty and repeat visits.
• 😀 Despite limited promotional budget, word of mouth has been crucial to attracting customers, especially local residents and expats who discover the coffee shop through personal connections.
• 😀 They describe the regulatory environment in the UK as strict, requiring various permits, safety certifications, and compliance with food standards that differ significantly from Indonesia's more relaxed system.
• 😀 One challenge they faced was adapting to food allergies common among their international customers, such as nut allergies or dairy intolerance, which required offering alternatives like non-dairy milk.
• 😀 The coffee shop also sells artwork from local artists, creating a dual business model combining food service and art sales, helping to generate additional income and diversify their offerings.

Q & A

How did Mira and her partner decide to start a coffee shop in London?

Mira and her partner had already been running a coffee shop in Jakarta when they received an email from their university in London, offering a visa and business support for graduates who wanted to start a business. This prompted them to consider opening a coffee shop in London, despite not initially having entrepreneurial plans.

What was the initial challenge they faced when opening their coffee shop in London?

The initial challenge was navigating the complex regulations in the UK, including setting up a company, obtaining a business bank account, and ensuring food safety compliance. Additionally, they had to deal with various permits and legal requirements, which were more stringent than in Indonesia.

Why did they name their coffee shop 'Ngopi' and what was the inspiration behind it?

They chose the name 'Ngopi' because it reflects the Indonesian coffee culture they wanted to bring to London. The name is catchy and easy to pronounce for both Indonesians and locals. The goal was to create a familiar space where people could relax and enjoy coffee, just like in Indonesia.

How did they attract customers to their coffee shop in the beginning without a big promotional budget?

They relied on word-of-mouth marketing from the local community. Their loyal customers started spreading the word to their friends and neighbors, which helped the business grow. They also focused on delivering excellent hospitality, which led to repeat visits and positive recommendations.

What role does hospitality play in the success of their coffee shop?

Hospitality is a key factor in their coffee shop’s success. By providing a warm and welcoming environment, they created a sense of community, which encouraged customers to return. They aimed to treat customers like friends and family, ensuring they felt comfortable and valued.

What unique menu items are offered at 'Ngopi' and how are they received by customers?

Apart from coffee, 'Ngopi' offers Indonesian dishes like 'ayam penyet' (smashed fried chicken) and 'Indomie goreng' (fried instant noodles), which are very popular among locals. These items are often new to the local customers, and they are intrigued by the flavors, leading to a growing customer base from both locals and tourists.

How do they deal with food allergies and dietary restrictions in their coffee shop?

They make sure to provide alternatives for customers with dietary restrictions, such as offering alternative milk for those who are lactose intolerant. However, they occasionally face issues when customers forget to mention their dietary needs, which can lead to allergic reactions.

How did they handle the process of obtaining the necessary permits for their business in the UK?

Obtaining permits in the UK involved a detailed process, including registering a company, securing a business bank account, and complying with food safety regulations. They had to deal with a lot of bureaucracy and wait for several months to receive the necessary approvals before they could officially open their coffee shop.

What was the impact of COVID-19 on their business and how did they overcome it?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mira and her partner faced challenges in setting up their business. They had to compete for space and resources with other businesses and vendors, and many operational processes were delayed. Despite these obstacles, they continued working on their vision and eventually opened their coffee shop successfully.

What is the profile of the typical customer at 'Ngopi'?

The typical customer at 'Ngopi' is a local resident of London who enjoys specialty coffee and Indonesian food. Many customers are expatriates from New Zealand or Australia, who are familiar with Indonesian coffee culture, as well as locals who are curious about the unique offerings of the coffee shop.