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Bloem coffeeshop in Letterkenny will mark one year in business this Wednesday 2nd October in true style – with coffee and cake!
Hanna and Walter van der Walt opened Bloem in October 2023, combining their love of coffee culture and business to create their dream cosy meeting space.
Hailing from South Africa, they moved to Donegal in 2020 and have been putting down roots since then.
Their community connections and customer numbers bloomed just like their coffee.
“If it wasn’t for the nice people I wouldn’t have stayed as long,” says Hanna. “The initial plan was to be here for a year, but the people are so nice and warm, one year turned into three.”
The shop name is inspired by the van der Walts’ home city of Bloemfontein, as well as the ‘blōom’ term for the chemical reaction between coffee grounds and water.
High-quality Calendar coffee and a menu combining fresh, healthy and some indulgent options are what keep the customers coming back. The beetroot latte is a popular choice among the more adventurous customers.
Bloem, in Letterkenny Retail Park between JD Sports and Menarys
Beetroot Super Latte at Bloem
“We love to see more regulars coming in,” Hanna says. “We get loads of parents because it’s easy and accessible for buggies, we see groups of friends, teachers, couples and families. I’ve loved seeing kids grow up this past year, from the new babies to the kids coming in for hot chocolate after their first day in school.”
The business has been growing steadily, and Hanna and Walter pride themselves on forging local connections.
A proud achievement has been their collaboration with the No Barriers Foundation to design an ‘easy read’ menu for customers with intellectual disabilities.
“Working with No Barriers was a great opportunity for us to create something new,” said Hanna.
Bloem launcing the easy read menu in collaboration with No Barriers. Pictured: Hanna van der Walt, Lilly Pyper, a graduate of the DS Champions programme, and Andrea McFeely, Clinical Lead and Programme Coordinator
Ever changing, each month Bloem features works by a different local artist or photographer on their walls. This month it’s Dollhouse Illustrations by Debbie Person.
On Saturdays, you’ll find local singers setting a relaxing mood for shoppers.
Bloem’s extended hours (5 pm weekdays, 6 pm Fridays) offer an alternative meeting spot in the evenings too.
Aidan Laird performing in Bloem
Looking ahead, Hanna and Walter plan to host more exciting events like craft nights and sip-and-paint sessions. Watch this space!
As they celebrate one year, the team is full of thanks to the community, suppliers, customers, family and friends that supported the journey so far.
Bloem partners with local suppliers Blistered Bread for pastries and Belle’s Kitchen for sourdough and Saturday treats. Everything else is made in-house, from a small but carefully crafted menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch options.
Calendar Coffee at Bloem
If you haven’t already tried Bloem, this Wednesday 2nd October is the perfect day to visit or to join the party as a regular. There will be €1 coffees and cake for only €1 a slice!
Check out the menu and opening hours on Facebook and Instagram: @bloem.coffeeshop
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