10 new jobs as cafe opens its second city branch

A POPULAR cafe near Queen’s University has announced 10 new jobs with the opening of its second outlet, in the city centre’s Flatiron building.

The speciality coffee shop and eatery, The Pocket, has opened a newly refurbished second space on the ground floor in the building on Upper Church Lane.

The ex-warehouse has been restored by property company Wirefox into a high-quality office space over four floors, incorporating retail on the ground floor.

The cafe is close to Victoria Square and known for its distinctive flatiron shape.

Creative design companies Big Motive and Fourum are already located in the building, which is also home to Bittles Bar.

The Pocket is run by South African Richard Evans and his wife and business partner, Bailey.

“We always dreamed about expanding and it took us a long time to find the right location, but as soon as we walked into the Flatiron, we fell in love with it,” said Mrs Evans.

“We wanted something with character and a historical building. The Flatiron is a bigger space but still has the atmosphere of our original location.”

The couple focus on using ethically-sourced, single-origin coffee and menus that change regularly with local ingredients for breakfast and lunch.

They opened The Pocket on University Road in 2015. The 10 new jobs are in addition to their existing team of 12 employees.

Although Brexit uncertainty was a concern in their expansion, Mrs Evans said that finding the Flatiron “was an opportunity we weren’t willing to pass on.”

Anton Dummigan, Wirefox asset manager, said: “We’re excited that Richard and his team have chosen the Flatiron as part of this next-phase expansion and by the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the brand and experience which he brings to the building and area.”