Georgina Campbell’s Ireland Guides

Marc and Emer Hynes’s smart Java the Hut Coff ee trucks have been a familiar sight at Farmers’ Markets and Food Shows since 2009, and they also have a spot at at Balbriggan Train Station where they lift the spirits of weekday travellers with their range of delicious brews and – thanks to the fact that they operate a micro-roastery nearby – sell packs of freshly-roasted coff ee to take home. And there’s an (excellent) online service too.

Shop: Balbriggan Railway Station, Railway Street, Balbriggan, County Dublin, weekdays 6am-2pm.(Sales also from roastery.) Also available from number of stockists in North Fingal (see text). Online shop. MasterCard, Visa.

Marc and Emer Hynes’s smart Java the Hut Coffee trucks have been a familiar sight at Farmers’ Markets and Food Shows since 2009, and they now also have a spot at at Balbriggan Train Station where they lift the spirits of weekday travellers with their range of delicious fresh brews and – thanks to the fact that they operate a micro-roastery nearby – sell packs of coffee to take home.

Ethical sourcing is central to the business and they specialise in microlot small batch Single Origin Estate coffees and source only high-grade green beans from international farms and growers associated with Rainforest Alliance, Direct Trade and Fair-trade Organics and Lady Co-ops Green coff ee.

The couple’s passion for coffee tasting and roasting, which includes building strong links with coffee growers and suppliers, led to them opening their own micro roastery. Craft-roasting in small batches ensures freshness and allows them to maintain the highest quality standards.

Having full control over their products is paying off in many ways, not least in recognition from the Great Taste Awards, where their House Blend, Rebel House Espresso, achieved a 2-star rating in 2020. This is no mean feat: any recognition from these highly prestigious independent awards is a great achievement, and only 10% of entries achieve the 2-star rating, defined for judging as “Above and beyond delicious”. A balanced medium roast blend (Brazilian yellow bourbon, El Salvador yellow bourbon, SL34, Gesha beans), this versatile coffee is the foundation of a small, carefully honed range which also includes a seasonal blend and a Decaf.

While buying from the shop or roastery is ideal – and has the benefit of expert advice – Java the Hut Coffee is also available from number of stockists in North Fingal, including Aidan O’Brien Butchers, Skerries; Red Island Wines, Skerries; Granny Rosie’s Organic Farm, Loughshinny; and P&N Butterly Fruit and Veg in Rush.

The online service is also excellent. The range is not overwhelming, each blend is clearly described and available as whole beans or a full choice of grinds for different methods. Orders are dispatched promptly and arrive beautifully packed, complete with interesting flyers about the business and its suppliers. Full marks!