Independent speciality coffee shop opens doors for business
Against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s ‘Year of Food and Drink’, Belfast’s Ormeau Road has welcomed a new independently owned and operated speciality coffee shop. District, a new venture by Downpatrick businessman David Rea and fronted by Bangor hospitality professional Richard Stitt, has created ten new full and part-time jobs, and is centred around what Richard describes as “a simple blend of excellent coffee, food and service.”
With over 15 years’ experience within the Northern Ireland hospitality industry, Richard previously worked with Home Restaurant, Mourne Seafood Bar, Paul Rankin and Thornyhill Restaurant Group, the business behind popular city restaurants Il Pirata and Coppi.
“It was our vision to create a place that simply blends excellent coffee with great tasting food and, crucially, a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For us, those are the three most important ingredients of District,” said Richard.
With a 30-seat capacity as well as takeaway service, District is positioned on Belfast’s busy Ormeau Road, a continually developing area within the local hospitality scene.
“There is a sense of community and support within the independent coffee shop sector in Northern Ireland. I think we all appreciate what one another are doing, in our own individual way. From having worked in hospitality for several years, it’s great to see people who have worked their way up taking the step of opening their own business and carving out a space amongst the bigger chain brands. We’re very proud to be part of that movement.”
Staff at District are experienced baristas and the business has committed investment into regular upskilling and training in line with the latest coffee and food trends.
“Consumers are more knowledgeable than ever about the variety and origin of their coffee and the provenance and health credentials of their food. That has really been central to how we shaped District’s offering. For example, we’re serving a single estate Colombian on Espresso and a range of Suki teas blended in Belfast. Our food menu of breakfast, brunch, salads and hot dishes spans superfoods to healthy indulgence, using as many local ingredients as possible – and every member of staff is fully trained in the preparation of each dish,” Richard said.
With a second site for the District brand already secured, Richard believes the coffee shop sector represents significant growth opportunity:
“Northern Ireland is full of people who are interested in and passionate about food and drink. From coffee shop owners to local roasters, at-home chefs to artisan producers, there’s an exciting and vibrant scene around that people are keen to be a part of.
“The speciality coffee scene in particular represents real economic potential, thanks to a groundswell of hardworking, committed people and the supportive Northern Ireland coffee drinker,” he said.
District is based at 300 Ormeau Road and is open from 8am, 7 days a week.
@DistrictBelfast – Twitter / Instagram
www.districtcoffee.co.uk
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
