In the bustling world of coffee culture, a serene oasis awaits in vibrant Dromore under the name CALM Coffee House. Established by Claire Anderson and Linsey McMurray the businesses name, CALM, holds a deeper meaning as it stems from the initials of owners C.A. and L.M.
CALM Coffee House stands out not only for its inviting atmosphere but also for its commitment to providing a space where coffee lovers can unwind, relax, and savour the moment. The fusion of quality coffee, soothing ambiance, and personalised service creates an experience that transcends the ordinary coffee shop visit.
Claire’s educational journey, from Pond Park Primary to Hunterhouse College and finally the University of Ulster Jordanstown, earned her a degree in English Literature, reflecting a path filled with diverse learning experiences. Her affinity for PE and English as favourite subjects during her school days sheds light on the amalgamation of physical vigour and literary exploration that fuelled her passion.
Admitting she didn’t set out with a clear vision Claire says, “I was never really sure what I wanted to do until after I left university. Although, I did have fleeting thoughts of lots of jobs, including being a sports photographer”.
Claire, the visionary behind Rustic Rainbow Coffee House in Hillsborough, embarked on her coffee odyssey in 2005 and following that chapter’s closure in 2014, Claire found solace and joy in lending her expertise to various coffee establishments, notably Hollys, where her skills continued to flourish.
The other half of the duo Linsey’s educational voyage started out in the corridors of Dromore Central Primary, when she progressed onto Dromore High School, then further onto Liverpool’s John Moore University, where her academic pursuits culminated in a degree encompassing Sport Development, PE, and Dance. Each chapter of her academic odyssey reflects a tapestry of growth, learning, and a deep-rooted passion for movement arts.
Amidst the scholarly achievements garnered from her educational endeavours, the flame of her ambition to express herself through the art of dance burns brightly. This unwavering dream serves as a testament to her spirit and commitment to embracing her true calling in the world of dance.
The duo paths converged at Rustic Rainbow, where Linsey started working in 2005, a chapter that would shape the narrative of intertwined careers. After her tenure at Rustic Rainbow, Linsey ventured into the realm of caregiving, dedicating three years to a dementia suite in Rathfriland. The siren call of coffee beckoned once more, leading Linsey back to the hospitality industry where her journey was rekindled with flavour and dedication.
CALM located on Princes Street in Dromore is the result of a meeting of minds dating back 25 years ago when the pair met at Dromore Ladies Hockey Club. And whilst the duo was already committed to other projects it was during a conversation that they realised a desire to create a space where people could relax and enjoy each other’s company – but the journey wasn’t as easy as it might first have seemed.
“We’ve only been open around 9 months now so thankfully we haven’t encountered too many major challenges just yet. Apart from the years (6 years to be exact!!) of work that led up to being able to open the doors to the public. We had a complete renovation to do to the property after we bought it and with Covid hitting in the middle of this, we had to pause our plans for a few years unexpectedly. The other biggest challenge we face is simply the lack of sleep and the early mornings!
“We bake all our goods inhouse, so we arrive to work shortly after 6am every day to bake the scones, which hits hard after the late nights when we maybe don’t get leaving work until 11pm. But we love it. We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.”
Long days and late nights aside the pair admit that the hospitality sector has changed over the years and that their vision for a coffee haven outside of the major Northern Ireland Cities doesn’t scare them.
“The coffee industry has changed massively since we first stepped into it. Which is why we love it. There’s such a coffee community developing everywhere, and we want Dromore to be in the middle of it, which is why we decided to open two late nights.
“We don’t think the social aspect of the hospitality industry should be restricted to the big cities. We’ve learned that no two days are the same, so you must be prepared to adapt and be flexible. We’ve already noticed that our customer base includes all age ranges, which we think is quite special. We worked hard during the planning and renovation stages of Calm to be inclusive for everyone and we are proud to be dementia friendly” says Linsey.
Echoing those sentiments Claire affirms, “We love the job and the social aspect of it is a bonus. Every day is different, and we love getting to know people in our own little space. We wanted to pursue a career that we are both passionate about. But to be able to have a bit of control in shaping a work/life balance that suits us was a big draw to self-employment”.
When the workday winds down, the duo’s focus shifts to the cherished moments spent with family and friends, a precious respite from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives. The siren song of work often lingers even in off-duty hours, a common struggle for those navigating the often-murky waters of self-employment. The allure of productivity can be strong, but Claire and Linsey make a conscious effort to carve out time for relaxation and rejuvenation, striking a delicate balance between work and leisure.
“It’s hard to not get wrapped up in work based things even when we’re not in work. Being self-employed always brings the temptation to keep working on days off. But we try really hard to keep the balance and step back from work mode for a day or two.
“We also really love to get to other local coffee shops and enjoy life on the other side of the counter once in a while”.