Java Coffee Shop is set to close at the end of August 2026, bringing 22 years of trading at its Ferryquay Street premises in Derry city centre to an end. Customers who still have vouchers have been asked to use them before the coffee shop’s final day.
The closure was announced in a message to customers, in which the owners thanked past and present staff and everyone who had supported the business during its time on the city-centre street.
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 a further 18 years, meaning the site had 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 inside the premises.
“We have watched children grow, celebrated birthdays, maybe listened to the odd bit of gossip, tried to support through illnesses and deaths,”
The owners added that they had shared “many good times and many not so good times”. They 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 asked to use 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 recalled 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,”
Another customer highlighted the pressure facing 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. Anyone with vouchers has been reminded to bring them along.
“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 their message by thanking customers and staff “from the bottom of our hearts”, adding: “For now, it is a sad goodbye.” The closure is scheduled for the end of August 2026.
