A Belfast cafe business has opened in new, larger premises after securing backing from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, managed by Whiterock Capital Partners.
Neighbourhood Cafe has moved to a bigger space on Donegal Street following increased demand and a significant investment by its owners. Founded in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter in 2021 by Ryan Crown and Oisin McEvoy, Neighbourhood is a brunch cafe which offers the "best of Irish coffee and local ingredients".
The owners decided to move from its previous home at 33 Donegal Street after experiencing daily queues for brunch. The move to Sessia House at 61-67 Donegal Street means Neighbourhood will now be able to accommodate 75 covers, compared with 40 previously.
An investment of more than £400,000 has been made in the bespoke fit out of the new Neighbourhood Cafe, supported by funding from Whiterock, which manages the debt fund for IFNI, offering loans of £25,000 up to £2m.
Ryan Crown said: "Our mission has always been to authentically share our passion for hospitality in a warm and welcoming way through sincerely warm service, excellent brunch food, and specialty coffee, served in beautiful surroundings."
Rhona Barbour, director at Whiterock, said: "It is great to be able to support the team behind Neighbourhood Cafe with the fit out and opening of their new site, which will be the business's flagship location for years to come."