Coffee Journal

evalynn: chapter three of our journey

What may look like a simple co-branding project is, in fact, the culmination of years of collaboration, shared passion, and a commitment to excellence in specialty coffee. Welcome to chapter three of our partnership with Niall Weldon, owner at Evalynn Coffee. Check out chapter one on Evalynn’s beginnings and chapter two on our trip to origin, or keep reading to see what’s new. niall weldon, owner of evalynn coffee the brand Like any successful entrepreneur, Niall Weldon has always had a clear vision for what he wanted his coffee shops to be. “We’re trying to break the boundary between being a café and a brand. We want to create a brand out of the café so we can go further with it,” Niall explains. Niall’s nous for brand comes through in everything from the inviting pink branding tones to Evalynn’s social media presence, right through to the coffee shop experience itself. evalynn coffee, drogheda the experience It’s not enough to serve coffee. You have to have a clear vision of what you want your coffee shop to be and make that an everyday experience for people who walk through the door. For Niall, it was about tapping into what he liked and bringing that experience to his customers.  “I want to go into a shop that has four grinders in the bar and a couple of different origins so I can just try them all, because that's what interests me about coffee,” Niall says. Delivering an elevated coffee experience is at the heart of Evalynn’s approach – something that resonates deeply with Stephen Bell, Bell Lane’s Co-Founder and Head of Sales. “Obviously when you want to go work for yourself, you have to have a clear goal and plan. Now Niall is setting a certain standard for what high-end specialty coffee can be,” says Stephen. Evalynn’s coffee menu mirrors Niall’s love for fruity, floral, and high-acidity coffees. And, as he puts it himself, Niall favours “funkier” coffees, pushing the boundaries of taste for himself and customers alike. Over time, Niko Sunko, Bell Lane’s Head Roaster, has come to learn Niall’s tastes and preferences, and has gone the extra step when cupping and planning coffees for the future. niko sunko, head roaster at bell lane coffee roasters the relationship “Working with Niko has most definitely been a fantastic experience,” says Niall. With over fifteen years’ experience in the coffee industry, Niko is well placed to help plan upcoming menus and offer his expertise on anything else coffee related. “Niall shared his vision with us, and now we source all the coffees for Evalynn, curating his offering to make sure the customer experience is right,” says Niko. The importance of the owner-roaster relationships is key at every step, from sourcing to cupping and everything else that adds value to the final cup. For Niall, the trust and collaboration with Niko and the Bell Lane team have been invaluable. “It’s about more than just buying coffee. It’s about having someone who understands your vision and wants to help you achieve it,” he says. As a Certified B Corp, Bell Lane places immense value on relationships with farmers, producers, and coffee shop owners like Niall. And, as sustainability and best sourcing practices become cornerstones of modern business practices, Bell Lane is uniquely positioned to serve the wider coffee industry. the b corp wall in bell lane hq the coffees Coffee drinkers can look forward to a lineup that showcases both diversity and boldness. “The plan with the new coffees is to create a contrast between the house coffee and the bar coffees,” says Niall. With this goal in mind, Niko cupped a range of coffees for Niall, before they ultimately landed on a natural, a supernatural, and a washed. The mix of origins and processes is something Niall is excited for customers to choose from, and taste. As Niko describes, the pink bourbon from Segundo Lazo in Colombia is a “simple classic natural with floral notes and a little sweetness.” The washed option from Ethiopia is “a perfect example of a floral, peachy, pretty Ethiopian.” Meanwhile, the supernatural from Beyou Gersay in Ethiopia is “something that’s on the edge and will give an interesting experience to each coffee drinker,” says Niko. With these new coffees setting a high standard, the partnership is perfectly posed to continue evolving. the latest releases from evalynn coffee the future Niko, Niall, and the team at Evalynn hope to introduce new coffees every three months or so to bring a range of diverse coffees, flavours, and origins to every coffee drinker that enters an Evalynn coffee shop. There are also collaborations planned for Dublin Coffee Festival in April 2025 and, although he can’t say where and when, Niall has ambitious plans to grow Evalynn’s presence into the future. This type of partnership marks a broader shift in specialty coffee toward deeper, more meaningful, partnerships, where roasters and coffee shop owners collaborate to create truly unique offerings. As Stephen predicts, “I think the partnership between Bell Lane and Evalynn is something that you'll see more of growing in the future.” If you’re a coffee shop owner looking to elevate your coffee offering, this partnership shows what’s possible when there’s a shared vision, mutual respect, and a commitment to doing things better together. stephen bell, co-founder of bell lane coffee roasters

what's in my bag: a coffee salesman

by Stephen Bell, Co-Founder of Bell Lane Coffee Roasters     As a salesman on the road, your bag becomes more than just a carryall—it’s an extension of your day-to-day operations, a survival kit, and a reflection of the skills and habits you’ve honed over time. I’ve spent years travelling to meet customers (often far from the comforts of a desk or office). What I pack and how I pack has been refined into a system that keeps me prepared, productive, and, dare I say, a little over-organised.    Here’s a glimpse into my bag and my principles behind it…  the foundation: a reliable backpack My backpack is my constant companion. I’ve had it for five years, and while it’s starting to show its age, I can’t part with it until I find something equally functional. I’m a bit of a bag snob, favouring brands like Thule for their thoughtful design and quality.    Compartments are a non-negotiable for me. Everything—be it notebooks, toiletries, or cables—has its own dedicated space in smaller bags within my backpack. Organisation is key to staying efficient when you’re constantly on the move. the essentials: tools of the trade The core of my bag is filled with essentials that make my workday flow seamlessly: 1. diary & laptop: my organisational lifeline, helping me keep track of meetings, notes, and deadlines  2. pencil case: it might sound old-school, but a pencil case packed with highlighters, pens, and even a scale ruler always comes in handy. I'm a visual person, so colours for in my diary it  for help me to see important notes from just my scribbles   3. notebook: a compact book with family birthdays and important dates—because staying personal matters in work and life. coffee culture on-the-go As someone who works in the coffee industry, my bag wouldn’t be complete without a couple of coffee-related tools. You’ll find: 4. cupping spoons: perfect for sampling coffee with clients  5. weighing scales: because precision matters, even in the field  6. calling cards: as we're always on the look out for new opportunities, most of the time the correct person is not available to meet. That's why I have a batch of locally made postcards which I use to write a “sorry you're not around for a chat note" prepared for anything Years of being on the road have taught me to be ready for any scenario. That’s why my bag also includes: 7. swiss army knife & needle and thread: handy for unexpected fixes, from clothing to equipment  8. coins for meters: it’s a small thing, but it saves time and frustration when visiting areas with pay-and-display parking  9. water bottle: staying hydrated is essential, especially when you get to enjoy so much coffee (even though I struggle to fill it and drink it as often as I should) lessons from the road What’s in my bag isn’t just about practicality—it reflects the mindset of a salesman. Being prepared, organised, and thoughtful about the small details creates a smoother experience for both me and my clients. My kit evolves with my needs, but the essentials remain the same—tools to do my job well, leave a lasting impression, and stay connected to the people I meet.  At the heart of it, my bag is my secret weapon. It’s not just what’s inside—it’s how everything inside supports the work I love to do. 

brewstorm: winter 2024

brewstorm recap: celebrating coffee and community Coffee is much more than a drink – it’s an excuse to connect, converse, and get creative. That’s why we were excited to host our Brewstorm community event, a collaboration of Bell Lane’s own Niko and Paul with Arvind, Renata, and the rest of the Brew Lab team.    the purpose The event was born from a shared goal: to unite coffee lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals in a space where we could simply celebrate coffee. In a world of schedules, especially in the run up to Christmas, this event was a moment to pause and savour both coffee and the incredible community around it.   the event At the heart of the gathering was our coffee tasting competition, designed to test palates and explore the rich diversity of coffee. Guests were invited to sample five unique coffees and guess the origin, variety, and process of each. It was a fun (yet fierce) competition, with every sip drawing participants deeper into the complexities and nuances that make specialty coffee so captivating.   the prizes Of course, no competition is complete without some fantastic prizes. Our top three coffee tasters walked away with some tasty rewards: 🥇 1st Prize: Kristina claimed the coveted Commandante grinder and a Hoop with an impressive 8 correct answers. 🥈 2nd Prize: Maya, with 7 correct answers, took home an Aeropress and a Timemore grinder 🥉 3rd Prize: Amelia rounded out the top three with a 6-month subscription to Bell Lane Coffee, also with 7 correct answers Congratulations to our winners and everyone else for coming along and taking part!     the fun stuff While the competition provided plenty of excitement, the event wasn’t all coffee. Once the tasting was over, we tucked into some delicious pizzas and a selection of beers. It was the perfect way to unwind and keep conversation abuzz after the competition. The room was full of energy as people mingled, caught up, and shared ideas.    looking ahead The success of this event has left us motivated to continue creating events where the coffee industry can come together. We’re already planning the next gathering, with the goal of hosting these events every six months with the team in Brew Lab.     thank you We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who joined us, participated, and made the event a success. To Arvind, Renata, and the entire Brew Lab team—thank you for having us in and bringing this event to life. Here’s to many more coffee get-togethers. For now, storm brewed! 🌪️

Sustainable Farming in Focus: Gail’s Visit to Brazil’s Coffee Producers

At Bell Lane Coffee, we believe that exceptional coffee begins with strong relationships at its source. In this blog, we take you through Gail's journey to Brazil, where she connected with passionate farmers, witnessed sustainable practices firsthand, and experienced the heart of coffee production. Join us as we explore how these visits to origin deepen our commitment to quality, transparency, and the people behind every cup.

International Coffee Day - Taster Pack

Niko shares a brief overview of the Taster's Pack for International Coffee Day, featuring three exceptional coffees from Peru, Burundi, and Colombia. This collection offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse flavours from distinct origins. If you snagged a pack, you're among the first to try these future releases. Thank you for the incredible response, and we hope you enjoyed your International Coffee Day!

maybee - year three

As we kick off the third year of our MayBee campaign, we're buzzing with excitement and gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared with our community. What started as a small idea has blossomed into something truly impactful, all thanks to our amazing supporters. We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Fruit Hill Farm, a fantastic Irish company dedicated to organic farming and gardening. This year, every online order placed in May will include seed packets. By planting them, you're not just creating beautiful flower patches; you're also giving back to nature by inviting bees and other helpful insects into our surroundings. And here's some exciting news: we're expanding our reach by sharing the joy of planting with even more people. This year, we're sending seed packets to our wholesale partners, so when you buy a bag of Bell Lane Coffee from your local café, you can join in the campaign. It's about spreading the spirit of MayBee far and wide, enabling more individuals and communities to join us in supporting pollinators and nurturing our environment. We recognise that not everyone has the space to plant seeds themselves, which is why we're encouraging everyone to share seeds. Whether it's donating them to your child's school, sharing them at work, or passing them along as thoughtful gifts, every small action can have a significant impact. Planting these seeds is a simple yet powerful gesture of giving back. Scatter them in a well-prepared spot come springtime, gently rake them in, and firm them down. Before you know it, your little patch will burst into life, buzzing with activity and bursting with color. Thank you for being a vital part of the MayBee Campaign as we continue to give back, grow, connect, and spread positivity. We'd love to see photos of your blossoming seeds attracting pollinators. MayBee, let's create a buzz and make a real difference together.