Root & Branch Coffee, Ormeau Road, Belfast. Spring, 2017.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a coffee snob per se, but usually other people get to decide that for me. Having a bit of snobbery with something like coffee is good (in my opinion), because it’s a bit like being a wine buff but without the need for massively expensive corkage fees or any worry of a hangover. Or something like that...
With this in mind, on a rare day with no class and a morning off work, Kalie and I decided to visit Root & Branch for a quick flat white and what was to be a fantastic first impression. I have a close friend who raves about R&B. His infatuation, in my humble opinion, was probably unnecessary and due to some part the fact Root & Branch are the only small batch roasters in NI. I was very, very wrong. The store is very far removed from the standard of NI coffee houses, with what I’d called distinctly Scandinavian feel to the shop front, with a little conservatory roof and DIY benches and tables made from old tree stumps. The immaculately curved and hand-lettered “Coffee Roasters” on the outer wall is accompanied on one side by a barbed wire railing. Keeping things local, which makes it feel right at home, strangely.
The coffee was stupendous, and is made by someone who knows exactly what they’re talking about. Treats from Co Couture are available to grab alongside a flat white or an espresso, and with excellent options on pour over filters, this place is a place to visit again and again. Right across from Brewbot too, which is a magic spot in itself. Maybe more on that later?
