Paddy brings listeners into Ben and Lily’s Coffee Shop in Clogherhead, County Louth. Baristas Charlie Maples and Jessica Winters, share their unique journeys in the coffee world, their experiences working at the shop, and how coffee has become more than just a drink in their lives – it’s a connector of people, a source of community, and a true passion.

Charlie and Jessica start by introducing themselves and revealing their favourite brews. Their stories of how they discovered their passion for coffee are charmingly relatable. Charlie recalls how his morning coffee became the highlight of his day while working retail, a job he describes as draining. When the opportunity to work at a coffee shop in his hometown came along, it felt like fate. For Jessica, her journey into the coffee world was a little more rebellious – hanging out at a local coffee shop during her teen years. That early exposure to coffee culture hooked her, and when Ben and Lily’s opened, she saw it as the perfect fit for her love of coffee and chatting with people.

As the episode unfolds, Paddy delves deeper into the essence of coffee shop culture. One of the key themes discussed is the personality and energy that a barista brings to the table. A great barista, they believe, needs to be personable, chatty, and approachable, as 50% of the job involves interaction. They also discuss the banter that develops between baristas and regular customers, adding to the unique dynamic of a coffee shop.

A recurring theme in the conversation is the deep sense of community fostered by coffee shops. Charlie and Jessica recount heartwarming stories of customers connecting over a cup of coffee, many of whom would have never interacted if not for the cozy, communal atmosphere of Ben and Lily’s. There’s something special about seeing people from the same village strike up conversations, share stories, and even form friendships. The outdoor seating area has become a favorite spot for many, where the morning sun greets early customers, and spontaneous chats unfold.

The discussion also veers into the technical side of being a barista, from learning latte art to experimenting with different brewing methods. While they’re still honing their latte art skills, both Charlie and Jessica take pride in their progress and the craft behind the counter. They also share a humorous take on customer requests, revealing that while they haven’t had any outlandish orders yet, they’re always up for a challenge.

Humor is a constant presence in their day-to-day work. From spills and mishaps to Charlie repeatedly hitting his head on a shelf behind the counter, the baristas share that laughter is an essential part of the job. Their camaraderie and ability to laugh at the inevitable bloopers are part of what makes their coffee shop experience so enjoyable.

In a light-hearted conclusion, Paddy asks the duo what theme tune they’d choose for their coffee shop. The answer? Rich Girl by Hall & Oates, which, according to them, mysteriously plays on their playlist at least five times a day, no matter how many times they change it. Despite their best efforts to mix up the music, the song always finds its way back.

As the episode wraps up, Charlie and Jessica share their opening hours (Wednesday-Friday 8.30am-430pm Saturday & Sunday 9.30-4.30pm) and invite listeners to visit Ben and Lily’s Coffee Shop for a friendly chat and, of course, a great cup of coffee. As well as their Instagram they also hint at the possibility of starting a TikTok channel to share some of the bloopers and behind-the-scenes moments that bring so much joy to their work.

In summary, this episode of beansandmore.coffee offers a delightful peek into the world of two passionate baristas, the warmth of community that coffee shops inspire, and the many stories that are shared over a simple cup of coffee. Whether it’s through humor, heartfelt moments, or the daily rituals of brewing, Charlie and Jessica remind us that coffee is not just a drink – it’s a way of bringing people together.

Jess is doing a fundraiser for the Irish Hospice association, so if you can help out, please follow this link to make a donation, and thank you for all your support.