Follow Coffee awarded prestigious Taste of Ulster Plaque for 2025

Follow Coffee, Greenvale Street, Ballymena

Ballymena’s much-loved independent café, Follow Coffee, has been awarded the Taste of Ulster Plaque for 2025, recognising its dedication to great local food and its trademark warm welcome.

The accolade places Follow Coffee alongside some of the region’s best-known dining destinations, including Galgorm, Oranmore House and Slemish Market Supper Club.

Notably, it is the only independent coffee shop in the town to hold this honour and feature on the NI Good Food Guide website.

The Seasonal Granola Bowl! Follow granola served with greek yoghurt, summer fruits, raspberry compote, toasted coconut shavings and pistachios

The NI Good Food Guide describes Follow Coffee as “a vibrant and welcoming spot, and real hospitality at its finest”, noting how its bright yellow exterior reflects the warm, friendly service inside.

Visitors are greeted by the aroma of Fidela bean coffee and a menu that changes with the seasons.

From freshly baked scones and stuffed cookies to French toast, granola bowls, Follow Rolls, hearty hashes, and daily specials, the café offers something for every taste.

This tasty dish sells out everyday! The Follow Hash!

Baby boil potatoes, caramelised onions, savoy cabbage, smoked streaky bacon, smoked black pudding, two poached eggs and topped with Ballymaloe relish!

Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake Pancakes! House-made buttermilk pancakes topped with

lemon cheesecake filling, raspberry coulis, lemon curd, lemon pieces, raspberries and fresh mint.

Many ingredients are sourced locally from trusted suppliers, including Apperley’s Butchery, Zac’s Bakehouse, Hilltop Bakery, Freshways, Causeway Prime, Hotties Hot Chocolate and Maine Drinks.

Known for its dog-friendly, breastfeeding-friendly and family-friendly atmosphere, Follow Coffee has become a go-to spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch among locals, shoppers, workers, and visitors alike.

Owner Lesley McCaughan said:

“This Taste of Ulster Plaque is a deeply meaningful recognition for our team whose care and passion bring this place to life each day, and for the town that embraces us.

“Whether you are here with family, friends, your dog or enjoying a quiet moment alone, you are welcome.

“We are proud to sit alongside Ballymena’s finest and honoured to represent our café in the Taste of Ulster family.”

Another popular dish - The Club Sandwich! Farmhouse loaf, house marinated chicken, hot honey tomatoes, lettuce and house made curry aioli. The perfect filler upper for lunch time!

S’mores stuffed cookies!

Pistachio + Raspberry Tarts made by the lovely Hilltop Baking.

Follow Coffee’s full listing can be found on the NI Good Food Guide website, with updates and news shared regularly on its Facebook page.