(Picture by Jim Byrne Photography)
The end of an era indeed. Approximately four years and eleven months ago (who’s counting) I rocked down to the kiosk in Ballsbridge Faema legend and Solar roaster in tow there is no way I could’ve foresaw what a journey I’d just embarked on. March 31st 2017 saw us close the door on the kiosk Ballsbridge for one last time. We had quite the send off and some lovely kind words from folk.
The time I had there will stay with me forever, I completely changed as a person in the five years, got married, became a Dad for the first time, then a second time all the while learning along the way.
I know how corny it sounds to say ‘my customers are my friends’ but with just a couple of feet between you and the person waiting to be served you couldn’t help but get to know everyone. I couldn’t have imagined that people would take to the place and myself like they did. I am thinking of writing that book people always prompted me to do about the stories I have heard and things I had seen. It is by far and away my biggest professional achievement. Along the way the coffee and then the customer service were recipients of awards and that little 37 square foot building allowed me to open my own purpose built roastery.
This week I had the pleasure of talking to Joe Duffy on Liveline, it was a reluctant chat to be honest. A business has closed nobody has died however when I spoke to the show’s researcher he said they had multiple calls from people in the area complaining of the closure while wishing myself and Tiago well. To me thats a job well done and something to be proud of.
What’s next?
Tiago has joined both myself and Andy at the roastery in Glasnevin. So its onwards and upwards from here. Recently we have joined forces with Salthill Social https://salthill.com/listings/salthill-social/ and Tom from Pangea https://salthill.com/listings/pangea-coffee-emporium/ who are doing a sterling job delivering some beautiful coffees to Salthill. I am really hoping the guys open the kiosk on Ladies Beach again after their success last year. If you aren’t familiar with the guys or what they do you can check them out on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pangeacoffeeemporium/ not only to they provide top class products but they also do a lot for the local community in Salthill and host multiple events from early morning swims to yoga and movie nights in a relaxed and chilled out environment. I should also mention Rebecca and Tom from Honest Kitchen also in Salthill https://www.facebook.com/HonestKitch/ these guys offer specialty coffee, healthy gourmet food, local artisan produce as well as quirky homewares & gifts. One word of warning do not check out their Instagram page if you’re hungry!
New Coffee
There are new coffees landing all the time, but just a few to note that I’m really excited about.
EL Salvador collaboration with the Salaverria family https://www.allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org/en/cup-of-excellence/country-programs/el-salvador-program/2014/22a/tablon-divisadero-14-mauricio-arturo-salaverria-ca/
The Salaverria family offer stunning speciality coffees from the Apaneca Ilamatepec region so when they offered an experimental bespoke lot we jumped at the chance.
On offer is your very own tablón (process and varietal) so we have opted for 5 bags Miramar/Red Catuai (washed) and 5 bags El Roble Bourbon (Natural) these coffees are arriving any day now along with new season Aramo Yirgacheffe Natural and Nicaragua Maragogype.
I will post a little more info about the coffees when they arrive.
Cheers,
Brian