Established Coffee

Hipster values: sources beans from fair trade and sustainable roaster 3fe, who write: “for us, coffee is about quality and sustainability and …a mutually beneficial relationship between the farm and us.”  Also, they always have something vegan/dairy free or gluten free on the menu.

Located in the trendy Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, I cannot get enough of this coffee shop! Not only do I visit Established Coffee every time I’m in Belfast, but we also stock up on 3fe beans for our home v60.  From the coffee, to the beans, to the coffee swag, to the food–you just can’t go wrong spending your hard-earned coffee money here. Bonus: this month, they are celebrating 4 years on the scene!

On an average visit to Established Coffee, I immediately notice the quiet young coffee-lovers hard at work on laptops and tablets. I move to the back corner to see what beans are on sale; I haven’t even stood there for 2 minutes before a friendly barista has checked in with me to make sure I’m happy. (Of course I am! I’m in coffee heaven!) I generally select a bag or two of beans for home, in addition to a pour-over for sit-in.

Hours:

Mon – Fri, 7am – 6pm

Sat, 8am – 6pm

Sun, 9am – 6pm

(Kitchen open until 3pm daily)

The MAC

Hipster values: often features local Belfast-based artists (like Bill Saunders and Dougal McKenzie–no relation to the Outlander character…that I know of), unique cultural exposure

Now that I’m properly caffeinated, I am ready to expose my brain to the wonders of art! Just around a couple corners from Established Coffee is the MAC (or Metropolitan Arts Centre). Opened 5 years ago, this space houses 3 galleries, 2 theaters, a family room and restaurant. As for those galleries (which are free!), they present painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. So if you’re like me, you’ll want to carve out a couple hours to fully enjoy the full experience. Get your art on!

Be sure to check out their website for current exhibitions and shows.

Hours:

Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm (not including specific show times)

The Honest Vegan

Hipster values: Vegan, can work with food restrictions (gluten-free, etc), fruits and vegetables are locally sourced, only completely vegan restaurant in Belfast, with the exception of a vegan coffee shop (as of the publishing of this post).

I can’t tell you how happy I was to stumble on the Honest Vegan. Before heading into Belfast, I was told there wouldn’t be too many vegan options, and although I’m not vegan myself (see the photo of beef below), I appreciate the option and know it’s a high value for many people. So presenting a great vegan option in Belfast: The Honest Vegan.

The owner, John, told me the story of the name. In some restaurants, when they tell you that a dish is “vegan,” they don’t always make sure EVERY part of the dish preparation is vegan (as in, no animal fat oil, etc.). So when you come here, you can rest comfortably knowing the food here is completely vegan (even down to the honey they do NOT use, as it is an animal by-product).

The shop has been open a year, at this location for only 4 months. They will be rolling out a new menu soon, that includes new unique items like “crispy kale chips” and “African peanut stew,” in addition to the current menu that has many meat-replacement dishes. For those university students, The Honest Vegan sells its products on site there. I had the Tropical Thunder smoothie and a lemon bliss ball-both delicious and recommended!

Hours:

Wed, 11am-6pm

Thurs-Fri, 11am-8pm

Sat, 9am-8pm

Sun, 10am-4pm

Just a few blocks away from the Honest Vegan, you’ll find…

Maven

Hipster values: a good portion of the products come from Irish artisans and craftworkers. Also, a worthwhile stop for unique gifts for friends and family (and yourself!).

I’m in heaven here. Seriously. The first thing I notice is my favorite California-brand candle, P.F. Candle Co., scented with “Teakwood and Tobacco” (keep your fruity candles, I’m here for the musk). “But wait!” you cry. “This blog should highlight locally-sourced goods!” How right you are my friend, and do not fear. There are LOTS of locally-sourced design goods to be purchased here–they just import other local products, as well.

Draped over the side of a chic sofa are Irish textiles. On the shelf, one finds Tokyo-deigned and Irish-crafted jewelry (how’s that for fusion?). Local Belfast ceramic designer, Derek Wilson, has many pieces on display. And if you’re into Scandinavian design, you’ll be thrilled at the Danish ceramics and Iceland decor (including Muuto products).

Finally, if you’ve got some Irish county pride, check out the bright and contemporary prints by Dublin artist, Camán and Co.

Hours:

Mon-Sat, 10am-5:30pm

As you make you’re way back to the City Center, be sure to swing by…

No Alibis Book Shop

Hipster values: Locally-owned and operated, supports local writers and artists, invested in the community for 21 years

This little gem was recommended to me by the barista at the vegan coffee shop I write about in Derry, so if you see her, be sure to thank her! (Also, tell her about The Honest Vegan)

As soon as I walk in, I notice the bustling Saturday-morning patrons, a diverse group of locals and college students. John (different John than before), the man on duty for this morning, tells me that the “crime/mystery book” emphasis of the shop comes from the owner’s personal interest in the genre, and his encyclopedic knowledge of crime. Don’t like crime/mystery books? No problem! You can still find other genres here, from poetry to biographies to children’s books.

So whether you’re just looking for a good book to occupy those quieter traveling moments, or a fun gift–books never go out of style! Especially when they come from a locally-owned one-of-a-kind business.

Hours:

Mon-Sat, 9:00am-5:30pm

Sun, 1-5pm

Taylor and Clay at Bullitt

Hipster values: the food here is organic, completely locally-sourced (even the wood for the fire comes local). 

While I’m focusing on Taylor and Clay, it’s really a part of a bigger project called Bullitt, which includes a hotel, a restaurant, three bars, an espresso bar and a music venue. So when you arrive for dinner, walk through the magic brick archway on Church Ln into a spacious courtyard, and follow the signs to reception.

I walked through the courtyard, noticing the several couples sitting outside, undeterred by the November Belfast weather (I couldn’t blame them-the outside was definitely inviting!). I caught the sweet smell of a tobacco pipe as I entered the lobby/lounge. Inside, you’ll find restrooms (with the best hand dryers I’ve used in a while!) and the hotel reception desk to the right, and the restaurant Taylor and Clay to the left. The lobby/lounge itself serves food and drink, or just drinks, and is more informal. The restaurant itself is less crowded, which is nice if you’re hoping for a low-key conversation.

As music I could only describe as “bumping” pulsed through the room, I settled into the well-priced menu and the enticing scent of their wood-fueled open fire grill. The restaurant has been open for a year and is tastefully decorated with modern art. As I look around the room, I see a lot of younger people. I ordered an Earl Grey tea and Spiced Beef and Pomegranate Flatbread Kebab, which was delicious! The pomegranate added a sweet pop to the savory meat.

Hours: 

Breakfast: Mon-Sun, 7am-11am

Lunch: Mon-Sun, 12pm-4pm

Dinner: Mon-Sun, 5pm-10pm

Babel

Hipster values: Babel’s creative shrub cocktails use ingredients and garnishes inspired by its living walls which contain over 300 plants.

After dinner, I head up to Babel, the rooftop bar and garden that is part of the Bullitt project. Here’s the tricky thing–to get to Babel, you have to leave the courtyard completely, turning left on Chapel Ln, and left again on Ann St. You’ll find the entrance on the left, lit up in lights. The bar is located four floors up (there is an elevator), with a great view of Belfast. So bundle up and get up there for cocktails and small plates!

Hours: 

Mon-Sun, 12pm-late (stop serving food at 9pm)