The sewing machines and wooden lasts in the window of this inner city cafe were donated by the nearby Tara Leather, the last of a row of cobblers that made up ‘Shoe Lane’, now known as Tara St. Today the street is home to the Irish Times HQ, one of Dublin’s busiest train stations and one of it’s best coffee houses.
Jonathan Hughes has been in the Christmas light business for years and needed a project to keep him occupied for the low season. So he, with the help of Jane Lunnon – a Dublin hospitality veteran, opened ‘Shoe Lane’ in mid 2016. The couple worked closely with Brian Birdy, of Full Circle, in choosing a varied selection of coffee roasts, and as well as the machinery.
Scrap timber, salvaged from a nearby warehouse, has been used by team, to handcraft the floorboards, seating and counter. The wood is over 150 years old (back when Tara St was still Shoe Lane). Various curios adorn the walls and of course, there are Christmas lights across the ceiling!
Food is of a grab-and-go nature but features: Bakelicious, Paleo man, Caryna’s cakes and other favourites. Single origin coffees changes regularly. Tea is by Wall and Keogh and Cold-pressed juices are by SiSú. Shoe Lane uses Village Dairy Milk, popular with Dublin baristas, but Bonsoy, Oat and Almond milk are available for only 50c extra.
7 Tara Street, D2
@shoelanecoffee
Ph: 087 260 6273
Mon to Thurs: 6.30 – 5.30
Fri: 6.30 – 4.30
Sat: 8.30-4.30
Sun: Closed
