Java Coffee Shop will close at the end of August 2026, ending more than two decades of trading from Ferryquay Street in Derry city centre.

The long-standing business announced the decision in a message to customers, thanking past and present staff and everyone who had supported the coffee shop over the years. Customers have also been reminded to use any vouchers they still hold before the closure.

From Guava Juice Bar to Java

The premises first operated as Guava Juice Bar for four years before becoming Java Coffee Shop. It then traded as Java for the following 18 years, meaning the site has been associated with the business for 22 years in total.

In their farewell message, the owners said the coffee shop had become about more than serving food and drinks. They described long-standing customers as part of the “Java family” and reflected on the personal moments shared in the premises.

“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 visited 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 remaining vouchers

The announcement prompted emotional reactions from customers and others in the local community. One customer said it was sad to see another Derry business close, while another remembered visiting Java with 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 pointed to the wider pressure on city-centre businesses, writing:

“Such a difficult time to run a business, our city centre is slowly dying!”

The owners have invited customers to call in for one final drink and conversation, while bringing any vouchers they have with them.

“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 ended by thanking customers and staff “from the bottom of our hearts”. The closure is scheduled for the end of August 2026. The supplied material identifies the business and its impact as being in Derry city centre, rather than Armagh.