'A space that locals can be proud of and visitors will travel for': New coffee house opens following £325,000 transformation of landmark Northern Ireland building

One of Warrenpoint’s most recognisable buildings will begin a new chapter when OCCO Coffee House opens its doors this Thursday following a £325,000 investment and the creation of 13 new jobs.

Founded by Newry businessmen Neil Cole and Gareth O’Connor, OCCO will bring a new level of craft, culture and hospitality to the Newry and Mourne area when it opens at 56 Seaview, one of Warrenpoint’s most recognisable seafront buildings, fondly known by locals as Coles Corner.

The opening of OCCO also marks the completion of a significant restoration project undertaken by local developers Margaret and Conrad Haughian of Conrad Developments. The couple acquired the property in November 2024 after many years in probate, with a vision to bring the iconic corner building back to life.

The restoration has carefully preserved many of the property’s original features while bringing it up to modern standards. The project included extensive structural works, conservation of historic stonework and the preservation of the building’s original 150-year-old staircase, creating a striking blend of heritage and contemporary design.

The interiors were designed by award-winning designer Aoife Mulvenna of Fada, whose work has helped shape some of Ireland’s most celebrated hospitality spaces.

OCCO’s coffee offering has been developed in partnership with award-winning Irish speciality roaster Bell Lane Coffee, marking the brand’s first permanent speciality coffee partnership in Northern Ireland.

To celebrate the opening, OCCO will offer £1 coffee to the first 300 customers each day from June 4 - 6, inviting the local community to experience the new space for themselves.

Co-founder Neil Cole said: “Our vision from the outset was to create something that felt worthy of both the building and the town. Warrenpoint is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Ireland and it is important to Gareth and me that OCCO would contribute to that story by creating a space that locals can be proud of and visitors will travel for.

“This isn’t simply about opening a coffee shop. It’s about creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and helping showcase everything that makes Warrenpoint special. The response before we’ve even opened has been overwhelming, we’ve also gained 6,500 Instagram followers and over 1.2 millions video views already generated. This level of interest gives us confidence that people are excited to see high-quality hospitality experiences continue to grow in the area.”

Co-founder Gareth O’Connor added: “We’ve spent countless hours thinking about every detail of the customer experience, from the coffee and menu through to the design and atmosphere. Whether someone is grabbing a coffee before work, meeting friends, visiting Warrenpoint for the day or exploring the Mournes, we want OCCO to feel like a place that people naturally return to again and again.

In the months ahead, we’re looking forward to introducing a programme of community events, creative collaborations and cultural experiences designed to further strengthen connections within the local community while attracting visitors from across Ireland and beyond.” Margaret Haughian of Conrad Developments added: “Bringing this building back to life has been a labour of love. For many people in Warrenpoint, Coles Corner holds special memories and it has been incredibly rewarding to see it transformed from a long-derelict building into a vibrant new coffee destination that will play an important role in the life of the town.”