Stephany Burns and Lucas O’Hare were introduced to each other through a mutual friend
Arbor & Ivy opened at the beginning of February(Image: Stephany Burns)
A new coffee shop offering “the beauty of the outdoors” and “the wellness of Japanese culture” has opened in Liverpool. Owners Stephany Burns and Lucas O’Hare didn’t know each other before joining forces but they’ve created a business already overflowing with customers.
Arbor & Ivy opened on earlier this month near Childwall Fiveways, occupying the premises previously used by Florida Property Corner. It was a mutual friend, who would become a silent investor, who brought them together, believing they have what it takes to “make this happen” together.
Lucas, from Toxteth, said: “She knew us both and we didn’t know each other. So it brought us together thinking that we both had what it took together to make this happen. So we’ve really built a relationship from the start and we’re now the dream team because we’ll now work alongside each other day in, day out.
“We’ve had people come in just because they live so local, popping their heads and just mentioning it. And we’ve actually had a really nice warm welcome from a bunch of the other people around the five ways, who messaged us on Instagram saying welcome to the community.
Stephany, from Roby, said the journey to now has been “absolutely amazing”. She added: “I still feel like I’m going through a transition, like I’m building something from the ground up for my family.
Stephany and Lucas built Arbor & Ivy from the ground up(Image: Stephany Burns)
“I literally walk into the shop with my little boy in the morning and have to pinch myself. He’s seven and he loves it just as much as I do. He’s been such a big part of this journey, just as much as I have. He tells all his friends ‘My mummy bakes cakes.’ We’ve had to limit the taste tests to one a day.
“I’ve worked hard my whole life, and that drive is what’s pushed me to do this. I’ve poured my heart and soul into making other people’s businesses a success by helping where I could. Now, it’s time to do that for myself and for our future.”
Arbor & Ivy experienced a busy opening with customers emptying the shelves of giant cakes and sweet treats, instilling a “rush hour” momentum around brunchtime.
Stephany said: “It’s been incredible. The people have been so kind. We’ve built such a lovely community already. I was so shocked at how supportive everyone’s been. People genuinely want you to win.”
Arbor & Ivy has already claimed a school rush followed by mums with babies and prams. The older generation pops in to relax with school kids visiting after the bell rings. Stephany said: “You either sink or swim, and right now, we are absolutely slammed.”
Lucas O’Hare at Arbor & Ivy Coffee Shop(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The cafe pushes sweet treats to the max with giant cakes backed by great matcha for good gut health. Arbor & Ivy prides itself on offering some of the best matcha that side of the region and is dedicated to becoming the go-to place for good tea.
Stephany said: “Obviously we’re a coffee shop with pastries and cakes, but at the back there’s a dedicated matcha bar. I’ve put so much into it. We source our matcha from one person who works directly with tea farmers. It gives you about five hours of caffeine without the hit or the crash.
“I’ve seen the benefits myself, and so have others who’ve started their own journey with matcha. If your gut isn’t right, everything starts from there. Some people are paying £6 for matcha that has no real benefits and doesn’t taste great. Ours is the real thing.
“We use purple yam to flavour it which has a naturally sweet taste so you don’t need artificial syrups. When people add syrup, it defeats the objective. We use natural ingredients so it’s better for you and tastes amazing.”
Arbor & Ivy opened at the beginning of February(Image: Stephany Burns)
Arbor & Ivy’s busy opening is just the start of what Stephany and Lucas hope to become a well-loved community venue that everyone can call home. She added: “We’ve been doing really well and we’ve had amazing support from local businesses. We didn’t expect it to be this busy.
“We’ve got florists coming in to sell flowers and want to work with as many local and independent businesses as we can. The reaction’s been so positive and we really appreciate the support.”
Ensure our latest news and what’s on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.