This podcast is a celebration of coffee culture, community, and craftsmanship. My enthusiasm for coffee extends far beyond the cup. Each episode explores the world of independent coffee shops, the passionate people behind them, and the stories that make these spaces unique. It’s not just about coffee as a drink—it’s about how coffee fosters connections, inspires creativity, and builds communities.

One of the highlights of the podcast is the stories of baristas and coffee shop owners, like Scott King, who owns The Craic’d Pot Coffee House in Armagh. Scott’s journey into coffee began in Barcelona, where he found inspiration in the vibrant café culture. After years in fitness and teaching, he decided to create something meaningful in his own community. The Craic’d Pot opened eight years ago, and it has become more than a coffee shop; it’s a welcoming space that embodies the essence of connection and belonging.

Scott’s passion for coffee craftsmanship is evident in his dedication to quality. He roasts his own beans under the Wildhare Coffee Roasters label, a venture that began during the pandemic as a way to ensure sustainability and independence. He believes in the importance of mastering the technical aspects of coffee, such as perfecting espresso recipes and understanding the subtleties of specialty brews. For Scott, coffee is an evolving art, and he’s eager to introduce his customers to the diverse flavors and processes that make each cup unique. He often encourages customers to explore black coffee and appreciate its nuanced taste profile, helping them move beyond their comfort zones of sugary, milk-based drinks.

The Craic’d Pot Coffee House has also become a hub for community connection. Scott fosters an atmosphere where regulars are known by name, and the baristas understand their preferences and stories. This commitment to personal connection has made the coffee shop a place where people don’t just grab a coffee but feel like they belong. Over the years, several couples have met in the shop, gone on to marry, and started their own families, which Scott considers one of the most rewarding outcomes of his work. He likens the shop to the setting of the old TV show Cheers, where everyone knows your name, and the conversations are as essential as the coffee.

Beyond the shop, Scott supports the local community through sponsorships and partnerships. He provides vouchers and prizes for local sports teams, including rugby and hockey clubs, as well as schools like the Royal School in Armagh. These efforts create goodwill and deepen the ties between the coffee shop and its patrons. Scott sees these connections as a way to give back to the community that has supported him and his business over the years.

The pandemic posed significant challenges for small businesses, but it also pushed Scott to adapt. While many coffee shops were forced to close, he used the downtime to invest in his roasting skills and expand his offerings. He now roasts 95% of the coffee served in his shop, blending creativity with cost-effectiveness. This independence ensures that even in uncertain times, The Craic’d Pot can continue serving its loyal customers. Scott also maintains relationships with other roasters, bringing in specialty beans for variety, demonstrating his commitment to collaboration and innovation within the industry.

The Craic’d Pot’s menu reflects its focus on quality and simplicity, though it also has its quirks, like the Dirty Chai—a drink inspired by a group of visiting students and now a popular off-menu item. While Scott offers seasonal drinks around the holidays, he avoids overly commercialized trends, preferring to focus on the authenticity of the coffee and the experience it provides. He believes that a great product and a welcoming environment are the keys to success, not gimmicks or flashy promotions.

Scott’s dedication to his work is clear, though he acknowledges the challenges of running a small business. He wears many hats, from barista to HR manager, and finds it difficult to fully switch off, even on holidays. Yet, he remains passionate about his craft and grateful for the opportunity to do what he loves. His long-term goal is to achieve a better work-life balance while continuing to grow his roasting business and maintain the shop’s unique identity.

The Craic’d Pot Coffee House is open 7 days a week; Monday-Friday from 8am-10pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. It is also on Instagram and Facebook

This podcast captures these stories, blending humor, warmth, and insight into the world of coffee. Whether it’s a tale of spilled coffee during a busy shift, a discussion on the intricacies of roasting, or a conversation about the role of coffee shops in fostering community, each episode offers listeners a glimpse into the heart and soul of the coffee world. It’s not just about the technical side of coffee but the human element—the relationships, aspirations, and shared experiences that give coffee its deeper meaning.

As the podcast grows, it continues to explore the broader coffee culture while staying grounded in the local stories that make each shop unique. Paddy’s goal is to celebrate the creativity and resilience of independent coffee shops, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared. It’s a tribute to the people who pour their hearts into their work, from baristas and roasters to the customers who make these spaces thrive.

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