Belfast coffee company in world’s top roasters
A Belfast coffee company has been recognised as one of the top specialty roasters in the world.
Root and Branch, who operate in the Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast, has been named one of the best in the business globally by leading coffee subscription company Roastful.
It was the only company from Northern Ireland to make the ‘Top 50 Specialty Coffee Roasters’ list. It was joined by two Irish companies 3fe Coffee Dublin and Calender Coffee Galway, who featured in the top three.
Root and Branch was launched back in 2016 by owner Simon Johnston and was Belfast’s “first specialty micro-roastery” located initially off the Ormeau Road in South Belfast.
They have built a strong community of coffee lovers across the city and beyond and despite changes in the business over the seven years of operating, their values remain strong.
Their website reads: “In 2016 we opened our doors on a humble Belfast back street. Our delightful little space was only big enough to install a roaster and a coffee bar. As Belfast’s first specialty micro-roastery, we had no model, no one to ask advice from, we were just determined to join the dots between community and culture, coffee chemistry and flavour.
“Memories of conflict still lingered in the city, but the growth of social spaces graced with the smell of good coffee spoke of a new era. Our live acoustic Sunday Sessions often saw our little courtyard impossibly full week after week as friends and travelling musicians played, sang, and drank coffee with us.
“Soon two new cafes were added and we developed our Irish kitchen, celebrating the best of seasonal local produce prepared in ways that echo past culinary traditions, but with reimagined creativity.
