Cork’s coffee houses will get a night-time boost next week with Coffee House Lates. This pilot initiative will see 12 independent cafés open late for an exciting range of free events on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29.
With everything from coffee tasting to live music, comedy, art, dancing, festive shopping, festive treats and knitting, Coffee House Lates will turn participating businesses into hubs of creativity and connection after dark.
The Cork night-time economy initiative, facilitated by the Cork Business Association (CBA), is being developed to showcase Cork’s unique coffee house culture and respond to the growing demand for alcohol-free evening activities in the city for locals and tourists alike. The hope is that the pilot scheme will encourage independent coffee shops to extend trading hours, even one night to begin with, as part of Cork City Council’s ambition to extend the city’s late night entertainment offering.
All events are free to attend and many are within walking distance so it’s a great opportunity to do a trail from venue to venue. Here’s a taste of what’s brewing.
Get Festive at Nádúr Deli
6pm-9pm, Thursday 28th November, Nádúr Deli, Nano Nagle Place
Step into the festive spirit at the newly opened Nádúr Deli, nestled in a charming 18th-century building on the plaza of Nano Nagle Place. For one special evening, they’re staying open late to host a festive experience with live jazz by Jonathon Murray, a festive ferments demo by Ivo from Terra Ignis and complementary spiced mulled apple with every purchase. Nádúr Deli will also serve their menu that embraces nature’s table with tasty plates, speciality pastries, Bean + Goose hot chocolates, house chai and West Cork Coffee organic coffee.Stroll through the Nano Nagle Place Shop for unique and thoughtful gifts, soak up the festive atmosphere with live jazz music by the plaza’s towering Christmas tree, and savour the season with an enchanting evening to kick off the holiday season! No booking required.
Taste Coffees from Around the World at Cafe Moly
6-9pm Thursday 28th November, Cafe Moly, Douglas Street
Pop along to Cafe Moly, a speciality coffee micro-roastery and cafe on Douglas Street and taste coffees from around the world. Each person who pops in on the evening will be treated to four complimentary taster cups. No booking required.
Art Exhibition Launch at Filter
6-9pm. Thursday 28th November, Filter, George’s Quay.
Filter Expresso and Brew Bar on George’s Quay will launch a new art exhibition with Silvo Severino, a South Brazilian living in Cork who specialises in collage work, on Thursday 28th November. Severino’s work recently featured on the brochure cover of the Cork Film Festival and you can view his work in advance @loop_conspiracy. On the evening, Filter will also launch their new winter drinks menu with complimentary mini pastries for all. No booking required.
Knit Night x Greenwich
6-9pm. Thursday 28th November, Greenwich, Caroline Street.
Grab your needles and yarn and join Greenwich and Stolen Stitches for an unforgettable Knit Night! Whether you’re a knitting newbie or a seasoned stitcher, this evening promises great company, warm drinks, and all the cozy, creative vibes you could dream of. This free event includes a complimentary Greenwich Café’s signature coffee or tea, a selection of scrumptious treats to keep you energized and inspired. Every crafter will also walk away with a few surprise treats from both Greenwich and Stolen Stitches! Spaces are limited, so secure your spot here: https://knitxgreenwich.
Oldies but Goldies Christmas Mix at The Grumpy Baker
6-9pm. Thursday 28th November, The Grumpy Baker, Washington Street.
Enjoy a fabulous oldies but goldies Christmas mix at The Grumpy Baker on Washington Street. Bring your dancing shoes and they’ll brew festive themed hot chocolates and dish out warm mince pies! More to be announced. No booking required.
Jazz Jam and Cork Comedy Showcase at 115 Café
8-11pm, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th November, 115 Café, Oliver Plunkett St
Don’t miss 115 Cafe’s renowned open-stage jazz jam on Thursday 28th with their infamous house band and some surprise jazzy guests dropping in to play. Especially for Coffee House Lates, they will host a free Cork Comedy Showcase on Friday night. The hilarious Paul Crowley will host an evening of side-splitting comedy featuring local talent including Daniel Lukas, Donal McSweeney, and Chris McShane. An unforgettable night of giggles and guffaws is guaranteed! No booking required.
Christmas Craft Fair at Lough Café
6-9pm, Thursday 28th November, Lough Cafe, The Lough
The Lough Café is hosting a gorgeous Christmas craft fair in aid of Cork Penny Dinners on Thursday November 28th. It will feature some unique local gifts for Christmas, including Totallytangled crochet, Aquamarine macrame, Golazzo retro sports shirts, Handmadebyclaudia knitwear, Verd houseplants, Mollylts design art and more. No need to book!
Live Music and Free Festive Pastries at Duke’s
6pm-9pm Thursday 28th November, Dukes Coffee Company, Carey’s Lane
Family-owned Dukes Coffee Company will kick off the coffee house’s party season by staying open late on November 28th with live music by Mike O Riordan and complimentary festive pastries on the evening. No need to book.
Choral Night at The Lee Café
6-9pm, Thursday Nov 28th, Lee Café, Wellington bridge.
Enjoy a gorgeous choral night with Cór Blath Oraiste choral group, paired perfectly with warm drinks and the cozy vibes of The Lee Cafe. No need to book.
Opening of Old Town Taqueria Café
5pm-1am, Friday 29th November, Old Town Taqueria Café on Pembroke Street
Cork’s new late-night coffee house, Old Town Taqueria Café on Pembroke Street, is making its grand debut just in time for Coffee House Lates! Sip on Mahers coffee, savour Mexican snacks, and celebrate the opening with complimentary hot drinks, churros, and light bites. Just pop along anytime from 5pm to 1am.
Vinyl Brews at Plugd
6-9pm, Friday 29th November, Plugd, Cornmarket Street
Immerse yourself in live music as records spin at Plugd Records while sampling unique, high-quality non-alcoholic beverages. Brian O’Connor of Brian’s Wines will be serving complimentary tastings of refreshing Kefir and Kombucha from My Goodness, or you can opt for a barista coffee to satisfy your caffeine cravings. No need to book.
Festive Evenings at Butter Bubble Café
6-9pm, Thursday 28th & Friday 29th November, Butter Bubble Café, Oliver Plunkett Street
Why not meet a friend in the warm and cozy setting of Butter Bubble for a pre-Christmas bubble tea, signature coffee, bubble waffles, buns, and cakes, and enjoy a complimentary Christmas marshmallow pop and gingerbread cookie with every purchase on Thursday 28th & Friday 29th for Coffee House Lates! No booking is required.
Cork City Council Night-Time Economy Advisor Fiona Collins is optimistic about the long-term potential of Coffee House Lates. “Cork City already boasts a vibrant evening scene, but the ambition is to expand the possibilities for locals and visitors who don’t drink alcohol. We hope businesses will see the demand for this type of offering and consider extending their hours on a more regular basis, if only for a night or two a week”, she said.
Aaron Mansworth, President of Cork Business Association, highlighted Old Town Taqueria Café as a prime example, who are opening during Coffee House Lates: “They have embraced this concept and will provide a new late-night option in the city, staying open until 1am going forward, and we hope more will follow. We are thrilled to work with the Night Time Economy advisor on Coffee House Lates. It’s a fantastic initiative that celebrates the charm of Cork’s independent tea & coffee houses and offers people an alternative way to connect in Cork City.”
Aaron concluded by saying, “There are some fantastic events taking place and we really commend the businesses who have come on board. I hope everyone will come out and join us as we evolve Cork after dark, one cup at a time. It’s a great excuse to pause for a coffee during your Black Friday shopping!”
Dermot O’Sullivan, owner of Greenwich Cafe said, “We’re thrilled to be part of Coffee House Lates and are thankful to Fiona Collins in Cork City Council and Cork Business Association for the opportunity. It’s exciting to open our doors late and welcome people to experience our space in a new way—whether it’s for knitting, a warm drink, or just enjoying the company of fellow coffee lovers. We believe there’s a real appetite for alcohol-free evening activities, and we’re proud to be piloting this initiative to help boost Cork’s night-time economy..”
Participating businesses were given a small grant towards the cost of hosting the events.
For more and full listings see corkbusiness.ie.
