In March 2020, when we all had to close our doors, shut up shop and stay inside, small businesses everywhere faced an unpredictable period of uncertainty. We had no idea when we would reopen, and without any exaggeration, if we would reopen.
During those first few weeks, we received so many messages of support from the local community in Bray. Without a shadow of doubt, they were instrumental in reassuring us that there was going to be an other side to those difficult times.
When we were able to reopen - with restrictions that have continued to this day - what we didn’t expect to see was how important it had become for people to have that morning ritual. To have that social interaction, albeit through plexiglass. For many, Coffee became something other than a luxury or a treat on our way to work - it was all we had to break the monotony of our new normals.
It might seem crazy (actually, it does to some because they’ve told us) but here we are on the other side, having just opened our second shop on Arran Quay, right by Smithfield. It hasn’t been easy, but we believe that small businesses can persevere. And we must. It was really important that we moved forward with intention; inspired by this spirit of renewal that we’ve all experienced throughout the past year. We found a slightly under-loved corner of the city to make our own, and we are beyond proud of what the team have done. It really is a beautiful bright space, it’s a people-watching diamond, and the smell in the morning from St. James Gate… to die for!
