Coffee Palace

W. A. Hastie opened his Coffee Palace and restaurant in Nicholas Street in March 1887. The new cafe was close to the corner of Brisbane Street, next to James McGill & Co. Ironmongers. The Coffee Palace boasted draughts and chess rooms upstairs, a piano, and rooms available for meetings. In years to come the Capitol Cafe in Greenham's Buildings would stand in this location. 

Not long after its inception in 1888-1890, the business was procured by Isaac Ham, a man whose catering skills became very well known and used in Ipswich. He catered for weddings, official dinners, picnics and parties, and made Christening cakes to order. Meals were available on the premises "at all hours". Hot pies and pastries were sold.  

Over the years the Coffee Palace was sometimes referred to as Ipswich Coffee Palace or Isaac Ham's refreshment rooms.

In 1899 the cafe was renovated with two new shop windows, the addition of a new bakehouse out the back, and a Colorado drink fountain.  In 1900 the shop was in front with dining room behind.

In 1918 Ham's cafe had a laneway on one side  with J. Scurrah & Son Tailors & Mercers on the side closest to Brisbane Street.

After 30 years in business Ham sold the cafe in mid 1919 to Norman H. Hooper.

Isaac Ham  became Mayor of Ipswich in 1905 and was a Council alderman for several years.