'Thank you - for everything. Goodnight': Northern Ireland mourns another loss as iconic café announces closure

A much-loved café in Londonderry’s historic Cathedral Quarter is set to close its doors this weekend after almost eight years in business.

Hidden City Café, known for its plant-based menu and commitment to locally sourced produce, will serve its final customers today (Saturday). Opened in 2017, the café quickly became a staple of the city’s growing creative and independent business community.

Owners Justyn McNicholl and his wife Bronagh announced the closure on social media on Friday evening, expressing their honour to be part of the area’s cultural and economic transformation.

"When we first opened in the historic Cathedral Quarter – the city’s oldest, most characterful district – we knew it was something special,” the post read.

"But we also believed it craved a little something more. As our doors opened, we watched the soul of the Quarter come alive, filling with independent businesses, creatives, and a growing sense of community.”

Reflecting on their time in the Cathedral Quarter, the couple expressed their heartfelt thanks to their loyal customers and the wider community: "Over the past eight years, we’ve seen it blossom into a thriving hub for the arts, markets, antiques, and local enterprise. To have played even a small part in the story of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter has been an honour. “When Hidden City Café joined the neighbourhood, we wondered – what made it special? Was it the food? The coffee? The conversations? The music? But the truth was simpler: it was you. You brought this place to life. You made it more than just a café—it became a meeting spot, a refuge, a makeshift office, a catch-up corner.

"You celebrated milestones with us, we celebrated milestones with you. Your loyalty and kindness have meant everything—they are everything. For that, we bow our heads in deepest gratitude. “Though this chapter with Hidden City Café is closing, the spirit of the Cathedral Quarter remains as vibrant as ever. Whoever takes on this space won’t just be inheriting a café – they’ll be stepping into a community that treasures connection, creativity, and the magic of independent spirit. We wish them the very best. “Our door will remain open until 15:30 on Saturday, May 10th. Thank you—for everything. Goodnight."