08 April
Get to know... Haptik
We caught up with Johnny from Haptik about the relationship between Coffee & Art, how Haptik came to fruition, and the importance of surrounding yourself with amazing people. More so than ever does community and collaboration play a huge part in the hospitality industry, and what better way to encourage locals to support locals, than for everyone to get to know each other a little better. So let’s get to know Haptik...
The Haptik Story
Do you ever think of an idea and think – ‘What if?’ Sometimes our biggest dreams, are the ones which challenge us to look at the infinite possibilities. A ‘What if?’ is a light bulb moment, which drives you to put your mark on people around you, in order to encourage, strengthen and excite!
Johnny and his wife Rachel McBride, are from Newtownards, County Down. After spending the most amazing 18 months travelling, living and working around Australia, their passion for excellent coffee really began! They quickly discovered how serious Melbournians take their coffee, it is not a drink, but a culture and art!
Rachel is a full-time abstract artist, together during their time in Australia Rachel submerged herself within the Melbourne art scene whilst Johnny embraced the coffee community and cafe culture. The combination and inclusiveness of coffee, food, art & people gave them their ‘What if?’ moment and they set out to recreate this back at home.
Haptik launched in 2014, in true Melbourne style they are as passionate about coffee and food as they are Art! If there’s coffee on the go there’s art on the go! The cafe, located on the ground floor serves an all-day brunch menu, paired with coffee from various local, national and international roasters. The gallery is on the first floor, which is a self-directed art space that can host exhibitions, workshops and offer studio space.
Haptik has grown and developed organically over time, Johnny & Rachel are thankful for everything and everyone around them, especially in these current times. They have a superstar team who adapt and kill it daily; fantastic local suppliers who work crazy hours to supply yummy goods and amazing customers who bring smiles to their faces every day, these customers are the foundation of the coffee community around them.
How would describe Haptik in three words?
Coffee, Community & Craic!
What’s the most popular dish and drink on your menu?
Our most popular drinks are a straight-up Long Black or Flat White, firm favourites on our brunch menu include our signature Baghdad Eggs & Huevos Rancheros.
What's your local favourite to support?
What inspires you in the sustainability space?
We care about everyone around us ‘our community’ it is important for us to play our part in looking after it! If we can reduce the use of something that will allow us to operate more efficiently, protect the environment and have a better impact on the society around us, this is a perfect combination. Example of small ways we aim to be more sustainable:
- Make available used coffee ground to customers who wish to use it for their garden/compost.
- Ensure all our used waste can be fully recyclable or compostable.
- Limit the amount of packaging, working with suppliers to ensure all our coffee, bread, baked goods & veg are delivered in reusable containers/baskets.
‘Coffee & Art’ has been our tag-line from the beginning, with the goal of merging them in a cafe setting where both can be enjoyed together. Unfortunately, recent times have restricted us to providing takeaway only. This has given us the opportunity to create our brand new custom cup design where we continue to merge ‘coffee & art’
It has been a collaborative project with the original artwork from @iamrachmcbride design led by @youcan_al and production from @decentpackaging️
Haptik
29 Frances Street, Newtownards
Mon-Sat 9am - 3pm
