More Than a Flat White: Belfast’s Coffee Shop Scene is Brewing Something Special

By Chloe Henderson

The sound of frantic keyboard clicks, the smell of espresso in the air, stressed students on their third iced latte- this is what it is like to be a student around deadline season. Coffee shops seem to have become an important third space for students in Belfast to study, catch up with friends or try the latest trendy matcha specials. However, these coffee shops are not Costa or Starbucks, but new and unique, independently owned cafes which are popping up increasingly frequently around the city. But what is driving this sudden coffee shop boom in Belfast, and why does it matter?

The Revolution of Belfast’s Coffee Scene

In the past few years, Belfast has seen a sudden surge in independent and speciality coffee shops, overtaking the popularity of national chains completely.

This trend has been seen across the whole of the UK and Ireland, with there being a much higher demand for artisan, unique cafes than ever before. The public desires quality coffee and the warm atmosphere that only an independent coffee shop can bring to the table, over the convenience of chain establishments.

Belfast is at the heart of this new speciality coffee culture, with independent hospitality flourishing in post-pandemic times, the students and residents of Belfast showing high demand for a cozy place to purchase good coffee, to work from ‘home’, and to socialise.

Businesses in Belfast are eager to take part in this new thriving coffee culture, with establishments like Nine Squared investing huge amounts of money into their independent cafes. Their founding store opened in Newry in 2021, but when the historic printworks building in Belfast became available, owners Sean McDonnell and Neil Cole couldn’t turn down the opportunity to become part of Belfast’s flourishing coffee shop scene. A ‘£300,00 investment’ [1] was put into the cafe, showing a serious confidence in the coffee shop market in Belfast.

The Independents Making Their Mark

As a student at Queen’s who loves spending their time in coffee shops, there are a few independent cafes which stand out to me in Belfast.

Nestled in the Botanic area, Blue Train Cafe & Depot is arguably one of the most beloved independent cafes for Queen’s students. Its unique and eclectic interior and character make it one of my favourites, featuring Afghan rugs, Turkish jewellery, Bakari bakes and handmade clothes all for sale within. The funky seating area, cozy decor and almond croissants place it as one of my top independent cafes in Belfast, perfect for a post-lecture catch-up.

On Ormeau Road, only a short walk away from Queen’s, lies Phin, perfect for speciality Vietnamese coffees and exciting matcha specials, with the slogan ‘From Vietnam to your cup’ [3]. This independent cafe features menu items unlike any other in the city, showcasing Ca Phe Sua (coffee with condensed milk), Hanoi egg coffee, and ingredients such as ube, sesame and coconut, bringing traditional Vietnamese culture to Belfast. I particularly enjoy a trip to Phin with my friends to try out their exceptional seasonal specials, with the April specials being Carrot Cake Oat Latte and Mini Egg Blondie Oat Matcha, both of which are definitely worth the trip.

Terrace Coffee on Malone Road, one of Belfast’s newest additions to the coffee scene, also stands out for me. The location is perfect, situated only a short walk away from Queen’s, Elms BT9 and Stranmillis, and has the perfect work from ‘home’ atmosphere, providing ‘exceptional, quality coffee every time’ [2].

Why Does This Matter – The Case for Moving Independent

But why is it so important that we support these local businesses and keep the independent coffee shop industry in Belfast thriving?

First of all, when we support independent businesses, we keep money flowing in the local economy, rather than in nationwide industries. This allows the small cafes we know and love to remain open, or even expand into the city like Phin is.

Independent cafes allow regulars to build a community within them, hiring local students and allowing others to study, work and socialise within a familiar and comfortable space, not feeling like just a number.

By supporting local, we are allowing the Belfast coffee scene to thrive even more, creating tourism and a genuine alternative to chain cafes.

Conversation with an Expert- Where has the Best Flat White?

To get a better understanding of the coffee shop culture in Belfast, I consulted an expert, David McEvoy, the man behind ‘Flat White Fridays’.

David is a “youth worker based in North Belfast” who has always been intrigued with “pushing [himself] out of [his] comfort zone”, leading him to begin creating content on TikTok. I found David on TikTok, enjoying his reviews of independent coffee shops in Belfast and decided to ask him some questions over messages to gain an insight into the coffee shop culture in Belfast.

David “only started drinking coffee in the last three years”, and after gaining a lot of confidence after a “life-changing surgery”, decided to take a leap and put himself out there, linking his passion for content creation and trying new coffee shops, resulting in Flat White Fridays.

One of David’s other passions is travelling, having lived and worked in Botswana and Chicago. He particularly enjoyed the coffee and tea shops when travelling, loving that they stayed open late and allowed people to gather before and after work and create a community, so he is particularly glad to see this culture moving to Belfast.

David stated that when he was a student at Ulster University, “the only options were Starbucks or Costa, where there was no effort put into it”. He asserts, “go to chain coffee shops all you want if you are looking for a quick coffee or something easy, there is nothing wrong with that”, whereas “with local places you can get to know the people”. Owners of independent coffee shops have “their own vision and brand, and they want to make the experience great for customers”, which is so important; for him, “ when you’re going for coffee, you are also going for the social aspect”, which the coffee shop culture in Belfast definitely brings.

I asked David to rate his favourite independent coffee shops in Belfast, but he did not want to “rate or put down coffee shops”, stating he would just tell me the places that he “loves the most”.

David says that “Established is my favourite coffee shop- great coffee, but especially good for the vibe, the people and the experience”. This cafe in the city centre is his “number one” as they are so “accomodating” for his dietrary requirements and are happy to make his partner’s coffee exactlty how they like it, the “coffee is 10/10” and it features a “main table in the middle, where you can meet new people, do work, or just relax”.

David also mentioned Native coffee- claiming it has “such a different experience” along with “good views and good vibes”.

Phin has an honourable mention, David praising it highly; “the owner is doing something different and bringing Vietnamese speciality coffees to Belfast”, and that it is so “unique and different”. David may even start a new series called ‘Matcha Mondays’, having enjoyed a matcha special at Phin so much.

Overall, David “loves living in Belfast” and is so glad that the coffee shop culture is booming in the city. Sampling flat whites from independent cafes all over Belfast has been a way for him to enjoy coffee, support local, and also grow and challenge himself.

Beyond Belfast

This coffee shop culture isn’t just thriving in Belfast; the phenomenon has expanded to the beautiful North Coast, where I happen to live and work. Independent cafes such as Sea Shed, Bothy, the brand-new Northshore and Lost and Found, just to name a few, are proof that people don’t want just coffee from a coffee shop.

My personal favourite, although I might be a bit biased, is The Surf Shack Castlerock. Located right across from Castlerock Beach, The Surf Shack features stunning ocean views, serves delicious Fidela coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and even surf rentals.

In my time working in an independent cafe, I have been taught so much about why they are so important. Customers want community from a coffee shop, and a relationship with the staff and other customers. My favourite part about my job as a barista is catching up with regulars, getting to know them through different stages of their lives and making sure their coffee shop experience is perfect; something you simply can’t get from a chain cafe.

All in all, the coffee shop scene in Belfast is booming because of these independents. A cafe where the owner knows your name, the staff know your order, and the atmosphere is relaxing, whether this is a more indie-urban cafe in Belfast, or a more coastal version, is somewhere customers will return again and again.

Blue Train Café & Depot. Coffee special at Phin

Coffee at The Surf Shack Castlerock

References

1. Cartmill, Claire. ‘New Northern Ireland Coffee Shop to Open’. NewsLetter. February 4, 2025. https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/new-northern-ireland-coffee-shop-to-open-following-a-ps300000-investment-and-the-creation-of-10-new-jobs-4972406

2. ‘Terrace- Quality Coffee Every Time’. Rapid Agency. 2026. https://rapidmarketing.co.uk/work/terrace/ 3. Phin Belfast. ‘About Us’ https://www.phinbelfast.com/about-us