A popular coffee shop in Derry city centre is preparing to close at the end of August 2026, bringing more than two decades of trading on Ferryquay Street to an end.

Java Coffee Shop announced the decision in a heartfelt message to customers. The business has operated from the Ferryquay Street premises for 22 years, although it initially traded under another name.

From Guava Juice Bar to Java Coffee Shop

The premises first operated as Guava Juice Bar for four years before becoming Java Coffee Shop. The business then traded as Java for the following 18 years.

In their message, the owners thanked customers and staff, both past and present, for their support. They said the coffee shop had become about much more than serving food and drinks, with long-standing customers forming part of what they called the “Java family”.

“We have watched children grow, celebrated birthdays, maybe listened to the odd bit of gossip, tried to support through illnesses and deaths,” they said.
“We have shared many good times and many not so good times.”

The owners said some customers had been visiting for more than two decades and described it as a privilege to get to know them and share in their lives.

Customers urged to use vouchers

The closure announcement prompted emotional reactions from customers and members of the local community. One customer described it as sad to see another Derry business close, while another recalled the welcome received by them and their late father.

“My daddy loved coming to Java. He would have been so sad to hear this if he was still here,” they said.

Another customer referred to the difficulties facing businesses in the city centre, saying: “Such a difficult time to run a business, our city centre is slowly dying!”

Customers have been reminded to use any vouchers they may still hold before the coffee shop closes. The owners invited people to visit for one final drink and conversation.

“For now, it is a sad goodbye,” the owners said.
“Come in and visit us for one last cup of tea or coffee and a chat and remember to bring any vouchers you have with you too.”

They concluded their message by thanking customers and staff “from the bottom of our hearts”.

The business covered in this report is in Derry city centre, not Armagh. No Armagh business, closure or local effect is identified in the supplied material.