Coffee shop chain Clements has announced it is to close its remaining outlets in Belfast as a result of being “unable to secure a sustainable path forward”.
The move brings to an end the chain’s presence in the city after more than a quarter of a century.
Once one of the north’s largest independent coffee shop brands, Clements’ presence had dwindled in recent years, following the closure of three Belfast branches – Royal Avenue, Rosemary Street and Botanic Avenue – in October 2023.
The chain, which opened its first branch in 1999, remained a presence across the Queen’s University campus, owning the Hope cafe at the McClay Library, the Social One cafe at the Students’ Union, and Clements outlets in the MBC building and at Queens’ PEC.
In a statement on Wednesday, owners Hope Investments (NI) Ltd said they would cease all trading at QUB on May 15.
“This decision follows many months of careful consideration and sustained efforts to find a viable long-term solution within an increasingly challenging and changing operating environment,” a spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately, despite those efforts, we have been unable to secure a sustainable path forward.
“We are incredibly proud of the role our cafés have played within the University over the past two decades. From early morning coffees to busy lunchtime services, to providing hospitality services for many functions, it has been a privilege to serve generations of students, staff, and visitors, and to be part of daily life on campus.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our loyal customers and to the wider University community for your continued support over the years. Most importantly, we would like to recognise and thank our dedicated team, whose hard work and commitment have been at the heart of everything we have achieved.”
The statement invited customers to visit and “say your farewells, adding: ”This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but we are grateful for the opportunity we have had to be part of the QUB community for so many years.”
