Our latest bi-monthly award for September-October 2024 has gone to guji_coffeebar at 112 O’Connell Street. Pictured outside the premises receiving the award from Maura are Manager Karolina Skrobosz, Judita O’Shaughnessy and Danielle Hadnett. (Photo: Vejin Vijayan).

I think we were all saddened to see the former Timberland shop that used to be in this prominent corner unit close a couple of years ago, given its central location in the heart of the city, but we are delighted that it was taken over by GUJI Coffee Bar who have given it a new lease of life with their new boutique coffee shop. With GUJI’s striking bubble-gum pink signature branding and signage, spotlessly clean windows and welcoming plants at the entrance, it is a stylish and welcome addition to the newly developed O’Connell Street.

A sister brand to The Old Barracks Roastery located on the Dock Road in Limerick and also in Birdhill, Co Tipperary, owner Alan Andrews opened GUJI’s Limerick branch in July 2023, following the opening of GUJI Coffee in Cork’s Marina Market in 2019. In July 2024, GUJI opened a new store on Paul St in Cork City too. Apart from speciality freshly brewed coffee and home-baked sweet treats, customers can also purchase coffee beans and coffee makers for home use. They recently began offering an extended menu including additional food options like açai bowls and bacon butties which have been welcomed warmly by patrons in the city.

GUJI Coffee Bar is our fifth winner for 2024 and will be in with a chance to be our Overall Winner for 2024 at next year’s annual event, along with the Adapt Shop on Parnell Street (January-February), Thompsons Funeral Home (March-April), The Spitjack on Bedford Row (May-June) and the Verizon team who won in July-August.