I once wrote, "coffee is coffee, just find a place you like hanging out in and go there...". I was referring specifically to coffee shops/cafes, but in retrospect I couldn't have been more wrong about the coffee.
My own education began with the opening of Established on Hill Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, and quite the eye-opening experience it has been. There really is a lot more to coffee than a comfortable seat.
To fully address the city's changing attitude to the dark and steamy elixir, two men have taken it upon themselves to put today Northern Ireland's first ever Coffee Festival, taking place at T13 in the Titanic Quarter on 26 and 27 September.
Organised by Roger Gowdy and Deepak Samson, the festival is described as a "celebration of the vibrant coffee culture in Northern Ireland" and will also host a new competition to find NI's best barista.
Speaking about the event, Roger Gowdy said: “The coffee culture in Northern Ireland is fast becoming an integral part of people’s lives, and people’s expectations of being served a wide range of good quality coffee in our local cafes and restaurants is increasing.
"NI Coffee Festival will create an opportunity for local roasters and independent artisan coffee shops to showcase and serve up some of the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.”
The festival will feature live coffee roasting, a photo exhibition of fairtrade coffee cooperatives, expert talks, artisan coffee, tea and gourmet food stalls, tastings and demonstrations from top roasters, barista competitions, cinema, street food, coffee infused live music and much more. There will also be sports and arts activities on offer for children and young people at the event.
Just some of what to expect from NI Coffee Festival...
Roasting Village
In association with local specialist roasters, there will be a dedicated space for live roasting and brewing at the festival allowing you to experience the processes first hand. You will be able to try out a range of different coffees from various countries and get to touch, feel, smell and taste coffee as it is being roasted and brewed.
Freshly Brewed Coffee
What would a coffee festival be without delicious freshly brewed coffee? The festival will be showcasing local independent coffee shops, who will be serving up fantastic coffee offerings. Your festival ticket will get you one free hot drink, so the only problem will be deciding where to use it!
World Street Food
No festival is complete without food to feed the hungry souls. Hand-picked street food stalls will be on hand to cater to a variety of hunger – burrito bars, healthy eateries, bacon butties, to name just a few...
NI Barista Championships 2015
At the NI Coffee Festival, the country’s top barista talents will compete to win the NI Barista Champion 2015 title.
Baristas will showcase their signature creations and prepare exceptional coffees for a panel of judges in front of an eager crowd. Watch as they battle it out for a chance to be the best of the best and take home the top prize.
NI Coffee Festival takes place at T13 on 26 - 27 September. Tickets are £6 - with children aged 12 and under free - and available now at nicoffeefestival.com
