Independent coffee chain Trait plans new city venue

Independent coffee chain Trait is to open a new outlet next to The Merchant Hotel in Belfast.

Trait Coffee, which has three outlets in Comber and Belfast, has submitted plans to open its fourth establishment in the former premises of Jackson Sports which closed its store on High Street last year, after more than half a century in business.

Trait co-owner Mark McAllister has submitted a planning application for the vacant unit at Imperial Buildings, which also faces onto Skipper Street.

The independent coffee chain opened its first outlet in Comber in November 2017.

It subsequently expanded into Belfast, opening an outlet on the Lisburn Road, and in July 2023, Trait opened its latest coffee outlet at Balmoral Buildings on College Square East, opposite The Royal Belfast Academical Institution.

The Co Down business also established its own craft bakery in Comber during 2022 to supply its growing store network.

Trait’s plans for Belfast’s High Street look set to be its largest store to date.