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24th February 2025
03:15pm GMT
Nestled in the heart of Cork, Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore has become a treasured spot for locals and visitors alike. Known for its warm atmosphere, artisan coffee, and vibrant sense of community, Alchemy has recently been crowned a winner in the Lovin Locals competition, in partnership with Square. We sat down with the team to learn more about their story, their win, and the future for this Cork gem.
Alchemy’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a touch of magic. It all began in 2008 when founders Eoin Hurley and Ronan Power decided to create a space where the community could come together over great coffee and conversation. Inspired by the meaning of alchemy – "a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination" – the duo set out to transform a dilapidated building on Barrack Street into a haven for locals during a time of economic hardship.
“Alchemy was really a bit of alchemy in the making! I had an idea to open a food stall, and Ronan spent his days working from coffee shops and had been looking to open one for a while,” Eoin recalls. “We had a budget of zero and about a month to open before Christmas, so we started with pallets and thrift shop finds. Even our own coffee tables made their way into the mix!”
From its quirky interior – featuring pages of the 1950s and 1960s Cork Examiner and a floating table – to its homemade Keyser Rolls and a vibrant calendar of local art exhibitions, Alchemy is a testament to the founders’ grit and passion.
Alchemy is far more than a place to grab a coffee. “Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore has been described as an institution by many members of the community,” the team proudly shared. During its years on Barrack Street, the café has become a cultural cornerstone, hosting events for local artists, poets, and musicians.
“We want our customers to feel like they’re in an authentic space where they can create, write, read, be inspired, and, of course, enjoy our coffee and home bakes,” says Eoin. It’s this commitment to creativity and connection that keeps Alchemy buzzing with life.
Winning the Lovin Locals competition came as a delightful surprise for the Alchemy team. “We were absolutely over the moon,” they shared. “It started off as one of those days that weren’t going to plan, but this made for a lovely Christmas surprise.”
The win is a testament to the love and support Alchemy has cultivated within the community and a recognition of their hard work and dedication to making Cork a better place, one coffee at a time.
As part of their win, Alchemy upgraded to Square hardware, and the benefits have been transformative. “Since we updated to the Square hardware, we’ve wiped out many of the headaches we were having,” the team explained. One standout feature? The POS system’s offline mode, which ensures payments are still processed even if the internet drops. “It’s been a game-changer for us and has made running the business so much smoother.”
Fast forward to today, and Alchemy’s future looks brighter than ever. During the pandemic, they adapted by opening a spot at the Marina Market, where their cakes and treats quickly became a hit. The team also expanded with a purpose-built kitchen to keep up with demand.
“We are so happy to have created such a great atmosphere over the years with our brilliant staff,” the team shared. And their loyal customers will be thrilled to know that the much-loved cakes and sausage rolls are still flying out the door.
Whether you’re popping into their bohemian Barrack Street café or grabbing a bite at the Marina Market, Alchemy continues to serve up magic in every sense. As the team cheekily added, “Take it handy, we’ll see you soon!”
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