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Neighbourhood Café | Interior Design

Interiors

Since opening its doors in November 2021, Neighbourhood Café has quickly become a beloved fixture in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, offering up great coffee and brunch.

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After outgrowing its original spaces, it’s moved just around the corner to a new, much bigger home.

The challenge? Retain everything that made the original location a hit, while making it work in a more expansive setting. The result is a design that feels familiar yet fresh, warm, welcoming, with a hint of elevated luxury.

THE PALETTE

The space is warm and rich with heritage character. Oak panelling wraps the space while handmade kettley bricks define the bar. A refined layering of warm green tones and brass accents weaves elegance and depth into the palette. Thoughtfully placed ambient lighting casts a soft glow, allowing the space to effortlessly shift in mood, from the bright energy of day to the inviting intimacy of evening.

CRAFTING THE CONCEPT

The space itself is big, much bigger than before, so making sure it still felt intimate and cosy was a must. The solution? A large central bar that acts as the anchor of the entire café. It grounds the space, offering a sense of structure and guiding the flow, while giving everyone a reason to settle in. This central feature makes it feel like the heart of the café, drawing you in for coffee or a casual bite.

Striking a balance

The space is layered and rich. Counter seating, wall niches alongside generous booth seating and expanses of banquettes create opportunities for all diners to relax and enjoy their experience.

The space is layered and rich. Counter seating, wall niches alongside generous booth seating and expanses of banquettes create opportunities for all diners to relax and enjoy their experience.

STRIKING A BALANCE

The kitchen, tucked in at the back, isn’t hidden. Instead, it’s part of the show, with chefs on full view through a fluted glass window, adding a little extra theatre to the experience. Symmetry is a key component of the design. Linear lines create rhythm and allow the space to flow seamlessly creating an effortlessly calm and inviting space.

RETAIL ELEMENTS

Retail is woven through the design in a subtle and considered way. Architectural columns with integrated coffee displays, while the main merchandise display echos the architecture of the seating niches.

Site Journey

Project Credits

Project Team Lauren Evans
Leanne Hanson
Ryan Crown
Oisín McEvoy
Simon Worthington McQueen
Photography & Video Studio Kin
Elyse Kennedy
Adam Bell
3D Visualisation Chris Hamill
Brand Brigid Johnson
Ryan Crown
Kate Tracey
Adam Bell