Words: Shamim de Brún
Finally, you’ll be able to get a decent coffee in Dublin Airport now that Cloud Picker are opening three coffee shops within its confines.
Cloud Picker is a beloved Dublin micro-roastery known for its speciality coffee. They’re is making waves this summer with an exciting expansion plan. The company is set to open the first of its three flagship cafés in Dublin Airport, solidifying its position as a pioneer among Europe’s speciality coffee roasters with a major presence in a European airport.
Co-founders Peter Sztal and Frank Kavanagh have ambitious goals for their airport venture. Together they’re aiming to bring the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin city centre to Dublin Airport. This move is expected to offer travellers a unique coffee experience and mark Cloud Picker as one of the frontrunners in the speciality coffee scene.
Having spent a decade building their brand and establishing their existing café on Pearse Street, as well as the hatch and roastery in Crumlin, Sztal and Kavanagh are eagerly preparing to unveil their first café at departures gate 409 in Dublin Airport Terminal 2 on July 27. The opening of the remaining two locations is scheduled for later this year.
According to a press release the planning process for this project, which has been three years in the making, faced several challenges due to the pandemic. However, Cloud Picker received support and design expertise from NE Studios at Nordic Elements. Who are a Dublin-based interior design studio known for its mid-century modern style infused with Scandinavian influences.
When it comes to equipment, Cloud Picker is sparing no expense. The cafés will be equipped with top-of-the-line Slayer espresso machines and Mahlkonig grinders. This ensures that each cup of coffee is crafted to perfection. The main espresso blend, named Amelia as a tribute to the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart. Who everyone remembers as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. The coffee promises a delightful flavour experience.
In addition to their exceptional coffee offerings, the new cafés will stock some of the customer favourites from Cloud Picker’s existing locations. Travellers can indulge in a variety of sandwiches, toasties, pastries, and salads. Moreover, the cafés will proudly offer fully compostable coffee pods and Cloud Picker merchandise.
Emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, the airport locations will adopt eco-friendly practices similar to the Pearse Street location. Cloud Picker will implement a circular reusable bucket system for serving coffee, reducing plastic waste. Furthermore, customers can enjoy the convenience of a free water refill tap. And all food and drink will be served in compostable packaging.
Sztal and Kavanagh expressed their excitement about the airport expansion, which they view as an incredible milestone for their business. Reflecting on their journey since starting in 2013, they said, “Bringing Cloud Picker to Dublin Airport is an amazing achievement for our business and something we never anticipated in our wildest dreams when we first began. Now, as we celebrate our tenth anniversary year, we are further driven to provide the very best speciality coffee offering Ireland has to offer Irish and global travellers.”
Coffee enthusiasts and travellers passing through Dublin Airport can look forward to experiencing the exceptional coffee and warm ambience that Cloud Picker has become renowned for. With their expansion into the airport, Cloud Picker is determined to leave a lasting impression on both Irish and international visitors, offering a taste of Dublin’s thriving coffee culture at every sip.
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