Four Children, Waffles, Crepes and Gelato - a Delectable Family Run Business, Perfect If You Have a Sweet Tooth

“I think we stand out above our competitors because of our customer service that we offer. The feedback we have got is that people feel like they are a part of our family as eating in Tub and Cone is like having that home from home kind of feeling” - Kiran Syed, owner of Tub and Cone on why the business stands out.

As we all know, Colchester is a growing town, and it’s great to see as it often (and we think unfairly) gets a bad rap. At Colchester Streets, we always get very excited for new indie businesses, and in particular, food and drink ones. We’re not going to lie, we’re partial to a dessert so, when we got invited to Tub and Cone, we were VERY excited. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. 

Tub & Cone has been in Colchester Town center for three months now and it has been an instant hit with the locals, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s such a variety and an array of items to choose from, that you could go there every day of the week and never eat the same thing twice! Kiran runs the business alongside her husband, Fawad, and her brother Omair. Kiran is like a superwoman – not only did she open a new business three months ago, she is also a teacher three days a week and a mother to four children! Tub and Cone is a credit to the Kiran’s family, and I think Kiran is a woman to be admired and what a fantastic role model her children have in her! 

Tub and Cone was born because all of Kiran’s children adore their desserts and would always visit their dad when he was at work in various dessert parlours back in their home city of London. Moving to Colchester gave the Kiran’s family the chance to create their own business, something that the whole family could enjoy and be involved in. Although, the business has only been officially open for four months, Kiran actually purchased the property on Crouch Street 18 months ago, but as it is a Grade 2 listed building, she had to wait for planning to be approved and then get the business ready for the launch. However, despite this setback, Tub and Cone is already a rousing success and we definitely think the risk has paid off for Kiran and her family. 

So, what sort of things can you get your taste buds around? There’s a wide variety of waffles, crepes, ice-cream, milkshakes, cakes, brownies, cheesecake, gelato, sorbets and coffees. Towards the New Year they will even be introducing a savoury menu, where you will be able to get things such as panini’s and toasties, which is perfect! But let’s talk desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, you are really spoilt for choice, it’s like a paradise. When you walk in, there’s a sensual, sweet smell of sugar and it just makes your mouth water.

All of the waffles and crêpe can be customised as Kiran knows that people like to make it their own. The current favourites with their customers are the molten lava and peanut butter stacks. They’re both warmed through in the oven and served with a delicious vanilla ice cream – although, they’re dangerous, as they’re highly addictive! 

Versatility is a key aspect of Tub and Cone and with that being said, they have introduced vegan products and cakes that are gluten free. It’s gratifying to see that so many businesses now are willing to adapt their menus and products to suit the changing and evolving market, and Tub and Cone is no different to this. Customer is king and I’m sure that the business will be a staple in town for a long time because of this flexibility. With bigger companies, particularly franchises, there’s no room for movement – it is what it is with them. Kiran is passionate about providing the best service to her customers and that includes trying to get-in products from her supplier, if someone requests it. One such request was for pistachio ice-cream which Kiran was able to get, and it’s now one of their bestsellers! So, never be afraid to ask, as you never know what you will get out of it. 

On Tub and Cone’s Instagram page, there’s often a giveaway where if you tag some friends, you could be picked as the winner and get a free dessert – so, make sure you give them a follow. Another way to get this is by challenging Kiran to a game of chess. A game of what, I hear you ask. That’s right – chess. Not the most conventional thing these days, but it’s one of Kiran’s favourite pastimes and she has found that it’s a brilliant way to interact with customers and to get to know them more intimately. The best thing is, if you win, you won’t have a bill to pay! 

Some people love to moan about the amount of “coffee shops” there are in town, but Tub and Cone is so far from this. It’s a delectable family run business who are trying to carve their own path in our town. A dessert parlour is something Colchester doesn’t have too many of and it’s such a brave thing to do.
Kiran and her family have moved to Colchester from London and they’re extremely supportive of other indie businesses and love how the community support one another. So, when you’re next in town, pay Tub and Cone a visit, support local businesses, and of course, remember to show their socials some love! 

Thank you so much for having us and give us a holla when the savoury menu goes live! 

Colchester Streets | Professional Photographer