Follow Leisure acquires Belfast café chain

Northern Ireland hospitality operator Follow Leisure has acquired Belfast-based coffee chain District, doubling the group’s café footprint across greater Belfast.

Follow Leisure plans to close one underperforming location on Stranmillis Road when the lease expires later this year. A figure for the deal has not been made available.

The group’s 30 members of staff will continue to be employed and District will continue to operate as a standalone brand within the Follow Leisure group, whose portfolio includes other cafés including Canteen, Output, Morning Martha and restaurant brand Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.

District, founded by David Rea, opened its first premises in 2016 on Ormeau Road, adding locations across South Belfast in Lisburn Road, Stranmillis Road and Saintfield Road.

Gary McIldowney of Follow Leisure said: “The acquisition of the multi-venue operator District will complement our growth strategy and enhance our brand portfolio. Our plans are to immediately provide an increased and varied food offering with a strong focus on an all-day breakfast and brunch menu. We’re excited to welcome all District staff to the Follow Leisure group.

“District has demonstrated robust trading in recent months and had a quick rebound following the removal of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. We view District as having significant future potential in many high footfall locations. The brand matches perfectly with the ethos of our other café brands of great coffee, a stand-out food offering and service with a local community-based feel.”

He added: “Outside of the peak lunch trading period we offer mid-morning, afternoon snacks and coffee where home-based workers look for a treat direct to their desk and this is an area where we see the potential for increased value proposition across our brand portfolio.”