A 21-YEAR-OLD has scooped a national award for a coffee shop she set up when she was 18.
Despite her limited experience, Natalie Eastwood has brewed up success over the past three years with plaudits from customers and critics across the county.
Natalie, of Chilwell opened up Espresso Coffee Bar in Westpoint Shopping Centre, Chilwell, with little more than the dream she had as a teen.
"It's always been a big interest of mine. Whenever I went into a coffee shop, I loved the smell of the coffee, the people that were in there, the relaxed environment."
After working for a short time in beauty therapy, Natalie decided to take the leap and pursue her ambition.
"I don't think you can ever be too young to start as long as you cope with things like not being able to take loads of days off.
"You don't mind it as much when you love what you do."
With help from her family, the café opened in August 2010 and has been a big success so far.
The café was shortlisted this year in the Café Society Award and picked up the gong for Best Independent Café in the UK at the ceremony in Kensington Gardens, London.
"You can only win first place as there is only one prize.
"I was absolutely over the moon."
Natalie's dad, company director Kevin Eastwood, showed her the ropes when she started but is astounded by what she has done on her own.
He said: "I was able to help her out and move things forward, but she had to get a hold of it and make it happen.
"When we found out she'd won the award, we cracked out the champagne and made a few cocktails."
Praise from the customers has been unanimous as well.
Duncan Fraser, 74, of Milton Crescent, Attenborough, said that he comes to Espresso Coffee Bar virtually every day if he can.
He said: "It's so pleasant and the coffee is fantastic.
"It's so much better than most of the places in town."
Denise Steel, 68, of Baulk Lane, Stapleford, has been coming since the shop opened.
She said: "The coffee is gorgeous and the staff are always lovely.
"It's a pleasure to come here."
For Natalie, the best days are still brewing.
"It's been the best three years of my life.
"I just can't wait for the years to come and see what's around the corner."
