Parakeet Coffee: The First Step Toward a New North Belfast Community Hub

If you have been walking or driving along the Antrim Road recently, you have likely noticed the striking, futuristic metal kiosk nestled between the Chinese takeaway and Iceland. This is Parakeet Coffee, a speciality coffee spot that has spent the last six months building a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. While the high-quality coffee has already made it a neighborhood staple, the kiosk is actually just the first phase of a much larger vision for the site.

Run on a daily basis by Matthew Nelson, the business takes its name from the famous parakeets of the nearby Waterworks park. Just like the birds that appeared unexpectedly and captured the hearts of local residents, the coffee shop aims to bring a sense of energy and character to the road. Matthew, who honed his craft at Established Coffee, has been working closely with owners and local architects Garreth McMahon and Fearghal Murray to create something truly unique for North Belfast.

The next step in the journey involves the renovation of the adjacent building into a multi-purpose venue called 'The Living House.' By day, the space will serve as an architecture practice, but in the evenings and on weekends, it will transform into a dedicated community and arts hub. The vision is to provide a vital 'third space' for the area, hosting everything from live music and art galleries to lectures and community group meetings.

Beyond the indoor facilities, there are exciting plans to transform the surrounding area into a public garden. This will include outdoor seating designed to offer a moment of calm and a place for neighbors to rest their legs amidst the hustle and bustle of the Antrim Road. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where the community feels a genuine sense of ownership.

Community engagement is already at the heart of what Parakeet Coffee does. From their popular social media videos to the naming of their mascot, 'Parakeith'—a name chosen through a local competition—the team is committed to involving residents in their journey. As 'The Living House' prepares to open its doors in the coming months, North Belfast can look forward to a vibrant new home for creativity and connection.