The owner of a much-loved Ipswich coffeehouse has said he is "very proud" after receiving national recognition in the Good Food Awards 2023. 

The Grazing Sheep, which is located along Ipswich Waterfront and owned by Bart Bisbal was recently awarded a Blue Ribbon at the awards. 

The Blue Ribbon accolade recognises places with high customer ratings and votes.

Ipswich Star:

Mr Bisbal said: "We are very proud because over the last year and a half we haven't won anything.

"We have been open since 2018 and every year we have won something. 

"It was really nice to win, especially when it is chosen by the customers as well."

Mr Bisbal said he was also very proud because his son Julian has been away for a year-and-a-half working as a private chef. 

Ipswich Star:

On his return to the family business, The Grazing Sheep was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon. 

"He has just come back and the first thing he has done is won us another award," Mr Bisbal said.

"Our business is very much a family business. My son, Julian is in the kitchen and my other son Carlos is in the front of house with me."

Mr Bisbal said his family approach to running the business is what makes The Grazing Sheep stand out. 

Ipswich Star: Smoked chicken, egg paprika mayo, rocket leaf on toasted bagel Smoked chicken, egg paprika mayo, rocket leaf on toasted bagel (Image: Bart Bisbal)

"We don't just treat it as a money-making business, but more of a family business. 

"We always employ local people, which is good for Ipswich and us as well. 

"We know our customers and we know what they expect from us. 

"We try to do things a bit differently as we do in Spain. We try to bring a bit of Spain back here to the beautiful Ipswich Waterfront."

Mr Basbil said he found out about winning the award from his customers. 

"They came in and told us that we won the award," he said.

"We have been sent the award and we have displayed it in the restaurant.