The origins of the Coffeeangel empire date back to St. Patrick’s Day 2004. Owner Karl Purdy sold 150 drinks that day, from a three-wheeler Piaggio van at the end of Howth pier. One million coffees and six outlets later the winning formula remains the same: consistently good coffee and efficient, friendly service.
Fórsa Gála, the house espresso blend, is a nod to the van’s days spent braving the elements in Howth, later Dun Laoghaire, and now Custom House Quay (it’s Irish for gale force). Roasting is by Belfast-based Bailies Coffee – an alliance dating back to when Purdy opened Ireland’s first specialty coffee shop in his hometown, in the late 90s.
The South Anne Street branch was originally intended as a pop-up shop to offload some extra retail stock. It was such a success with Grafton St shoppers, local workers and tourists, that it is still one of the company’s busiest. A sizeable retail section remains, stocked with Aerpresses, V60s and other toys for aficionados.
There are house-made pastries, sandwiches and salads available, but as the name suggests, the focus here is on the beverage-at-hand; the shops’ sleek, understated interiors bear further testament to this. While trends and gimmicks have come and gone, Coffeeangel knows what it does best and has stuck to its guns.
16 South Anne Street
Dublin 2
Mon to Wed: 7.30 – 5
Thu to Fri: 7.30 – 6
Sat: 9 – 6
Sun:11 – 5
01 96 96 001
sas@coffeeangel.com
