The new coffee bar, which is funded and supported by First Trust Bank, will create 10 new jobs and provides customers with the ideal place to relax and read their latest book purchase.

Ground Espresso Bars opened its first outlet in Coleraine in 2001, and since then the company has never looked back, opening stores in Ballymena, Portrush and Ballymoney. The company’s Belfast outlet, which is due to open on Friday 22nd August in Waterstone’s Fountain St Branch, will undoubtedly add to Grounds already growing reputation.

Best known for its quality, ethically sourced coffee and relaxed atmosphere, Ground Espresso Bars is proud of its high standards of in-house training. The company is happy to reward staff and operates a policy of in-house promotion preferring to recruit management internally making the working environment both challenging and rewarding.

Commenting on the new Waterstone’s store Karen Gardiner, Co-Owner of Ground said: “This has been an exciting period for our business, the support of First Trust Bank has been vital in helping us achieve this. From our initial contact with Waterstone’s to completing the project, the Bank’s Coleraine branch, has been of constant assistance, advising and encouraging us along the way. In fact over the past 18 months, the Bank has helped us to open three new stores, amounting to a substantial investment in the company”

Karen continued, “First Trust Bank took the time to get to know us as and our business. I like that we are treated as individuals and not just a number, they always take an interest in us and our plans for the company. The Bank’s help has made a great difference, and the advice and support they have given us has been hugely beneficial.”

Commenting on the Ground Espresso Bars new outlet opening Kevin McWilliams, Senior Manager, First Trust Bank Coleraine said: “For a local company to succeed in a venture of this nature is a great accomplishment, given the strength of the competition today from global and national coffee house brands. Darren and Karen have a clear vision and focus of what they want to achieve, and this has been one of the main factors in their success to date. The Bank has been delighted to support the Gardiners and I wish them luck with their new outlet.”