Recently featured in the Irish Times among the best places to eat outdoors around Ireland, Brick and Feather Coffee is the latest coffee shop to open in Derry. You might say it’s squished between two town buildings in the city of Derry, but it’s far from squished. A long hallway-like entrance takes you into this beautiful garden orientated coffee shop. But it’s a garden coffee shop like no other. And you’ll find it at 42 Great James Street.
Covered in a delightful canopy, but with enough uncovered seating to enjoy the sunshine or fresh air, one really does have a choice of seating. Or if you prefer a quite seat for two (or one) there’s ample along the entrance way.
But the distinguishing feature of this coffee shop is that it is dog-friendly. Yes, on arrival your dog will receive it’s very own puppuccino. There are water bowls all around the cafe garden for dogs to avail of whilst visiting.
However, as I’m not a dog owner that end of the appeal isn’t for me. Or is it? What I have found the few (maybe a few more) times that I have visited Brick and Feather Coffee is that the presence of dogs makes this a space that feels family is everywhere. Although no dog by my side, I’m admiring other dogs and then people start talking. It’s a space you will find yourself socialising in without realising. The presence of the dog just awakens a comradeship amongst everyone. And yet you do have that option of just the quite cuppa, and keep to yourself.
However a coffee shop can’t succeed on surround and cute dogs alone. The food and the coffee must do it justice. And at Brick and Feather Coffee it does just that. With a lovely breakfast selection, daily specials, sandwich/panini/wraps and sweet tray bakes, you really will want to return to try more. My current favourite is the veggie breakfast.
The café uses ethically sourced coffee, and donations made with every cup of coffee to Orangutan supporting charities. The coffee you drink at Brick and Feather Coffee can be traced from bean to the cup. There’s just something satisfying knowing you are giving something back as you sip coffee.
Brick and Feather Coffee is fully wheelchair accessible and has a high chair facility. The high chair has been tried and tested by my granddaughter and thumbs up definitely. A baby changing area will be available very soon.
Although situated in the heart of Derry City, you feel like you’re sat in the countryside with the sound of the birds, the greenery and the sheer ambiance of the surround. It has the best of both worlds – city space with a country feel.
Run by Clodagh Ni Bhroin and Shaun Curran, with a delightful staff, this really is a coffee shop with a difference and one you’ll return to again and again.
GMcC
North West Culture Gal 