Synge & Byrne – Newry coffee chain collapse

Northern entity of independent Irish coffee chain went bust owing just over £2 million

The coffee chain Synge & Byrne has announced the closure of its Northern Ireland outlets, including the Sugarhouse Quay location in Newry. The decision was made due to challenging market conditions, rising costs, and a growing debt burden.

Despite their best efforts to save the business, the company could not overcome these difficulties. The closure is expected to result in the loss of up to 80 jobs. The company expressed their deep regret and gratitude to the staff and customers who supported them over the past 12 years.

The hospitality company founded by brothers Damien and Adrian Garvey in 2014 ceased trading on January 22 with the loss of around 80 jobs.

It resulted in the immediate closure of nine branches in Belfast, Derry, Newry, Rostrevor, Newtownabbey, Moygashel, Portadown and Craigavon.

Synge & Byrne also previously operated from Sprucefield in Lisburn, The Junction in Antrim and Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Killeavy.

In a message apologising to its customers, Synge & Byrne’s co-founder Damien Garvey said: “Despite our very best efforts to save the business, we have been unable to overcome the mounting difficulties we faced, not least the current market conditions impacting the hospitality sector, including soaring operating costs.

Synge & Byrne continues to trade across the border from five sites in the Republic located in Dublin, Castlebar, Knocknaccara in Co Galway and Glenveagh National Park in Co Donegal.

According to Companies House, Adrian Garvey stepped down as a director of the business before Christmas.

A liquidator from the Belfast-based accountancy firm AAB was formally appointed to its northern entity – Synge &Byrne Abbey Limited – on February 5 following intervention from creditors.