A Cork seaside coffee shop just won a major architecture award
Brews with a view is what they do.
Now Grainne Gormley’s scenic café Corkbeg Coffee, perched right on the pier in Whitegate, is gaining national attention, having scooped a major architecture award.
The café scooped the Building of the Year – Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality Building and Architecture Award 2025 at last night’s swish ceremony held at the InterContinental Dublin.
The shipping container design is the work of O’Brien Architects, who led the drive to turn the dilapidated Vaughan’s Pier into a positive amenity for the local village.
‘Shocked and delighted’
Speaking to Yay Cork, Gráinne said the gong is “a recognition on the collaboration between Andrew O’Brien’s architecture and my vision for a space/ hub in the community where people of all ages can meet.”
“We have had poetry readings, theatre, live music, art exhibitions, book launches which the local community can enjoy. These events are exciting and important to support local creatives but to be recognised for our hospitality which we strive for on a daily basis on a national level is really humbling.”
Gráinne said the team was not expecting their names to be called out on the night:
“We were up against some major players in the Irish architecture scene. We are just a small business and Andrew O’Brien is an independent architect so to say we were shocked is an understatement.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved. Andrew had the vision and I had the execution to carry it out which makes us a great team.
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“My staff have been amazing at delivering a consistent service in line with this vision- and their customer service and hospitality is second to none. They are a huge part of this.
“Whitegate is a small community and to see people travelling down to our cafe and then discovering our beautiful area, beaches, walks, woods, fills me and lots of our local community with pride.”
Held annually, the Building and Architect of the Year Awards sees the cream of Ireland’s building and architect industry recognised and celebrated in front of hundreds of senior executives.
Probably time you dropped in for a Corkbeg Coffee cuppa, a Whoopie Pie and a slice of their new season rhubarb and custard crumble cake to celebrate.
