Neighbourhood Café to open new 75-seater venue in January

Neighbourhood Café is preparing for a major expansion with the opening of a new flagship venue in January 2025.

The 75-seater café will be housed in a repurposed Church of Ireland building and will offer a much larger space while staying true to its roots of high-quality coffee and community-focused hospitality.

Founded by Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown in 2021, Neighbourhood Café quickly became a favourite among locals, offering more than just a coffee stop, but a welcoming space for the community. “We wanted to create a place that not only customers love but staff love too,” McEvoy explains. “The new location will allow us to provide a larger, more comfortable space for everyone to enjoy, but it will still reflect the warmth and atmosphere we’ve built.”

The new venue’s opening follows a journey marked by both success and challenges. Just 10 months after Neighbourhood opened its doors in 2021, a devastating fire forced the café to close temporarily. But McEvoy and his team showed resilience, reopening in just eight weeks. “It was a really tough time for us,” McEvoy recalls. “But the support we received from the community was overwhelming. It really showed us how much Neighbourhood had become part of people’s lives.”

The café’s rapid recovery and continued success speak to the brand’s deep connection with its customers and the community. “We quickly became a place where people felt comfortable, where they could relax, study, or meet up with friends,” says McEvoy. “Our growth has always been about creating that space for people to feel like they belong.”

In addition to the new location in Belfast, Neighbourhood Café has expanded internationally. In partnership with New York’s Dead Rabbit, the café became the coffee partner for their new Austin, Texas location. “Austin’s coffee culture is unique, and we’ve been fortunate to be embraced by it,” McEvoy notes. “Our Tiramisu Latte, which we weren’t sure would do well in a warmer climate, has actually been one of our best sellers.”

McEvoy attributes much of Neighbourhood’s success to the team that has helped make it what it is today. “One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing staff grow. We’ve been able to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills and really succeed,” he shares.

Looking ahead, McEvoy is excited about the future of Neighbourhood and its continued growth in Belfast. “We’re proud to be part of Belfast’s vibrant coffee scene, and we’re excited to keep contributing to the community,” he says.

To read the full interview and discover more about the journey behind Neighbourhood Café’s success, be sure to check out our December issue.