Airport coffee need not be a pejorative, and indeed in airports around the world—Seattle, Portland, Oslo, Phoenix, Kansas City, to name a few—there are really good coffee options for the weary sojourner. And thanks to Cloud Picker Coffee, the Dublin Airport can now also be added to that list.
We first reported about the new Cloud Picker cafe in the Dublin Airport back in July. It is the first of three such coffee shops that will be opening in the airport this year; the second will also be in Terminal 2, near where US flights depart, and the third will be “landside” in Terminal 1, meaning you won’t need to go through a security checkpoint to visit it. Cloud Pickin’ while flying the friendly skies. It just kinda makes sense, doesn’t it?
The 2023 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by DONA. The 2023 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by La Marzocco, Pacific Barista Series, Acaia, and Marco Beverage Systems.
As told to Sprudge by Dustin.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Cloud Picker has been in operation for 10 years—established in 2013 by Frank Kavanagh and Peter Sztal. Having worked in graphic design and corporate banking respectively, we took the leap and opened up our own coffee roastery. Our coffee isn’t just roasted in Dublin, it’s chosen for its personality, which means we go beyond the usual places to find it. The name “Cloud Picker” came from our trip to Northern Thailand where we visited a coffee farm in the Doi Chang area on the Thai/Burma border and where we went up through the clouds to see the coffee pickers! Thailand wasn’t known for its specialty coffee back then so it’s interesting to see how far it’s journeyed since.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
We have three exciting locations opening in Dublin international airport in partnership with SSP—two airside in Terminal 2 (the next one is within USA departures!). The third will be landside terminal 1. Which means traveling coffee fans will have plenty of chances to try Cloud Picker if not heading to Dublin CBD.
What’s your approach to coffee?
We hand roast weekly to order. Born from passion, curiosity, and the quest to create a unique coffee product for the Irish market. While we roast on Stannaway Drive, Crumlin our cafe is at 42 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Feel free to pop in and say hello and grab a coffee.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Slayer EPs, Mahlkönig E80s/E65s/EK43, Marco SP9, Marco Jet brewer, Ubermilk, Marco Pour’d Cold Brew
How is your project considering sustainability?
Access to free drinking water, compostable vegware, deliver coffee in reusable coffee containers (swap and go system), Cloud Picker mantra utilised with all packaging—reducing carbon output with our manufactured coffee bags as much as possible including 83% post consumer plastics.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
Cafe 1 already open – Cafe 2 September/October – Cafe 3 November/December
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Thank you!
No, Thank you!
The 2023 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by DONA. The 2023 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by La Marzocco, Pacific Barista Series, Acaia, and Marco Beverage Systems.
