cailin

Bewleys has traditionally been quite a draw for tourists here, so I thought people would be interested to know that Bewleys are closing down their cafes on Grafton Street and Westmoreland Street in Dublin at the end of November.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3966217.stm

Tallulah

Oh that's a terrible shame. I've had some of the best breakfasts I've ever had there - usually most welcome to help eradicate a stinking hangover!! The worst thing is that they're bound to be bought up by bloomin' Starbucks...

lizard

that's too bad - know why? after a trip to st stephens green and a walk down grafton strett enjoyed a stop there for a sweet and a coffee
lizard
yes I know it's a chain bit so is starbucks

Ann41

Bewleys in an institution. And I always enjoyed spending a couple of hours reading over a bad cup of coffee upstairs in the Belfast location.

There are so many coffee places now in Ireland (the whole island) that they probably have had trouble competing, given the fact that those places actually have good coffee.

The food's always been horrible, though. And it seemed consistently bad, Dublin and Belfast. Maybe that's the reason behind the demise.

But it still saddens me.

dln

I grew up with Bewleys tea. My mother used to write to them and they'd send their tins of good Irish Breakfast Tea to us. I'll never forget the first time I went to Ireland and had a cuppa in "THE" Beweleys Cafe! I'm so sorry they're closing. Thanks for the memories, Bewleys.

allisonm

I'm sorry to hear this. Our first meal ever in Ireland was in Bewley's on Grafton Street in 95. We stumbled off the plane at 6:30 am with 2 dazed and hungry teens. The only places open around 8 am on a Sunday were Mcdonalds and Bewley's: no contest!

SiobhanP

I was just there for coffee last night and I am sad to see it go. It is not the same as it was years ago but the Grafton street location has great character.

I would sit there for hours reading and writing letters with tea and cake when I first moved here and knew no one besides my relatives. It was a great place to go to and while the time away. Also where else could you get breakfast at 2am on the weekends when the pubs closed. It was great craic after a few pints.

Before the current renovation, the front area used to have tables and chairs as well. Many well known artists and writers would meet up or go for coffee while sketching the scenes areound them. I realised a man was drawing me at the next table once and I was too shy to ask if I could see it....my cousin nearly killed me beacuse she said it could be someone well known and I should have asked
. I would now, I am as shy as I was then.

It was also a haven for a few homeless and Dublin characters who could get in out of the cold and sit with a tea for a few hours.

I really hope it does not turn into a super pub. It would be a disaster to ruin it but times are moving fast here and its all about money these days.

P.s. The food was never the best in the past 5-6 years. coffe was and still is always nice.

cailin

Siobhan - it's more likely to turn into a big clothes shop - apparently Zara and H&M are very keen on the property. There was also a rumour of Starbucks, but I really hope that one's not true!

SiobhanP

To be honest Cailin, I would prefer Starbucks so at least it would be a place people could linger and read a book in one of the nooks and corners. I think Zara is great but too pricey here and would ruin the building..oh well progress goes on I guess !

Clifton

Well that's sad. I really liked the Grafton Street location, sitting upstairs near the windows with a cup.

Harumph...

Ardfert

Bewleys in Grafton St is reopening shortly.It will be in the same premises but many changes have been made since it closed.

Itallian_Chauffer

When we took our in-laws to Dublin, in June/July of 2000, he was 82 and had great difficulty seeing, while she was 75 and had difficulty walking. After the Hop-On/Off Bus Tour, we eased them into Bewley's, got them tea, sandwhiches and sweets and "parked them" in a booth for an hour or so while we did a quick 'walk about'.
To this day, my mother-in-law talks about the characters that paraded past them, as the 'peoplewatched from that booth. It was a highlight of their trip!
We took my daughter and her husband there in '04, for lunch.
It was never about the food.
Bob

Itallian_Chauffer

When we took our in-laws to Dublin, in June/July of 2000, he was 82 and had great difficulty seeing, while she was 75 and had difficulty walking. After the Hop-On/Off Bus Tour, we eased them into Bewley's, got them tea, sandwhiches and sweets and "parked them" in a booth for an hour or so while we did a quick 'walk about'.
To this day, my mother-in-law talks about the characters that paraded past them, as they 'people watched from that booth. It was a highlight of their trip!
We took my daughter and her husband there in '04, for lunch. It was just as busy THEN, as in '00 and '02.
It was never about the food.
Bob

dcespedes

That's really too bad--I'm glad we had the opportunity to experience Bewleys on Grafton two years ago.

SiobhanP

I think the restaurants are opening in it this week. They kept the style the same and there will be a fish restaurant on one floor and a branch of Cafe Bar Deli on the mail floor so at least it is maintaining itself as an eatroe and many are happier it went to an Irish Company and not some chain from abroad that would not utilise the space as well. They will still have coffee and pastries in the front from what I am told as well. Also the theatre will be re-opened as well.

jake

Is there anybody else that doesn't care less? I feel very sorry for the people losing their jobs but farewell to the dried up, over-priced muck they serve as food!!