Last week saw the opening of the first stand-alone Ground store in Belfast.

The chain has 2 popular outlets situated in Next and Waterstones in the city centre, but it is exciting to see them open their own space.

 I've been visiting Ground for a few years now and have been eagerly waiting for the opening of this new venture. I currently car-share with my other half who starts work at 8am. I, however, don't start until 9.30am. That's a whole lot of time I could be spending drinking coffee! Unfortunately, Ground's other locations have their opening times dictated by their host stores so it's great to see that this new coffee shop will be open from 7.30am during the week.

I have been on annual leave since last week so wasn't around to visit on the first day but I made a concerted effort to call in on Saturday and see the new space for myself.



The unit is spacious and benefits from a long walls of windows, creating so much light. The use of dark wood and contemporary greys, contrasted with pops of vivid yellow has created a modern and welcoming environment.





I love the simple idea of a book swap shelf. Read a book, leave a book. Pass on something you've enjoyed so someone else can discover it.



I ordered my usual flat white (I blame Ruth from Willow Lane for getting me hooked on them) as seeing as it was approaching Easter, I indulged in one of their infamous Creme Egg muffins.








I return to work tomorrow and I can already confirm this will be my new "local"

Good luck to the team at Ground with the new store!