A new specialty coffee shop has officially opened in East Belfast.
The Highwayman is located on the Upper Newtownards Road in Ballyhackamore, opened by 26-year-old coffee enthusiast Josh Bell.
This latest endeavour for the Bangor man is also inspired by his family history and has 'a Texan cowboy twist'.
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The entrepreneur has been 'captivated by the world of coffee since his teenage years'. A statement said: "His journey began at 19, when he first stepped into a coffee shop and was immediately enthralled by the diverse flavours and aromas of coffee beans from around the globe."
Josh told: "The excitement of tasting different coffee profiles from various countries was mind-blowing, and it still is today. “Working in numerous coffee shops over the years pushed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of coffee, from bean sourcing to brewing techniques."
Josh realised a lifelong dream in 2022 by opening Coffee Rustler in his hometown of Bangor.
A statement added: "Recognising a gap in the local market, he aimed to create a space dedicated solely to high-quality coffee. Inspired by his grandfather's farming heritage, Josh collaborated with his friend and illustrator, Louis Nelson, to develop a unique brand identity that reflects both rustic charm and modern aesthetics."
The 26-year-old continued: "We wanted to be a coffee haven, a place where the focus is purely on the coffee. By eliminating distractions like food service, we can dedicate our full attention to crafting the perfect cup."
Discussing his new dog-friendly coffee shop, Josh continued: "I believe that the Upper Newtownards Road area, particularly around Campbell College, is the ideal location for a high-quality coffee shop. We aim to showcase the finest coffees from both local and international roasters, without any culinary distractions. By focusing solely on our coffee-making expertise, we can deliver an exceptional coffee experience to our customers."
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English (United States) ·