Belfast café Brew & Bake to shut its first location on Mother’s Day as baking moves to Cregagh Road and brunch continues at its newer Lisburn Road site

A popular Belfast coffee shop is closing the doors of its original café after more than eight years in business.

Brew & Bake confirmed that its bakery and café at 336 Lisburn Road will close, with the final day of trading set to take place on Mother’s Day.

The independent business first opened the location, known as The Bakery, in September 2018 and quickly built a loyal following for its fresh bakes, brunch dishes and signature cinnamon rolls.

In February 2024, the owners expanded the business with a second café at 489 Lisburn Road, just minutes away from the original site. The new location now operates as the brand’s dedicated brunch spot while the original premises had been used primarily as the bakery producing the shop’s popular sweet treats.

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Announcing the decision on social media, the owners said the building was no longer suitable for the business and would require significant investment to continue operating.

“Sorry to say, we are closing our bakery, the original café,” they said. “Yes, we held onto our bakery for over a year. We were kept busy and having the bakery across the road from brunch worked.

“At the end of the day the building is not working for us. It needs a lot of money put into it if we are to move forward.”

The owners said baking operations will now move to their Cregagh Road café, with the Lisburn Road brunch venue continuing to operate as normal.

They added that the decision had been a difficult one, particularly given the strong support from regular customers over the years.

“We have 2 great wee cafes now, 489 Lisburn Road and Cregagh Road, and there's lots of work to be done. It's sad as the bakery is busy, we have amazing customers and big fans. I have loved being there the last 7+ years and it's the best location. However, I feel it's time to move on and I no longer fear it's the wrong decision.

“We have now moved (squeezed) our baking operations into Cregagh. The last day at the bakery will be this Sunday, Mother's day. I'm sorry. I feel bad for our wee regulars who get a wee seat, a chill and a chat. You know I love a chat! I hope to see you across the road...

“Everything will be all go again in our brunch cafe 489 Lisburn Road. Hopefully we will manage everything smoothly and get you your brews, bakes and brunch the best we can.

“Thank you everyone for all these years of support, friendship and community. It has been a roller coaster, blood, sweat and tears. Almost packed it in... but honestly love it too much. See you soon.”