Tree opened on Kingsgate Street, offering something fresh to the local café scene - a relaxed, modern spot focused on healthier food. “At the start, our menu was small,” Glenn recalls. “But as our customer base grew, we expanded to meet expectations.” Now well known for their grilled breakfast baps, locally named sandwiches, and in-house baked scones, The Pear Tree’s food is just one part of the draw. “Nothing is fried here,” Adam adds. “It’s all grilled or toasted.” But their real standout feature? “The atmosphere and the service,” says Glenn. “We’ve built such a happy, friendly team. You won’t meet a happier bunch, and that makes us really proud.” Customers can relax by the front window, enjoy the kitchen’s buzz downstairs, or head upstairs for a quieter seat. Outside, a covered café space has become a favourite for dog owners.
BY THE TIME you’ve finished reading this, a fresh batch of scones will likely have come out of the oven at The Pear Tree, just one of the many reasons it’s become a Coleraine favourite since 2018. But behind the buzz lies a story of friendship, risk, and reinvention. Owners Glenn Thompson (45) and Adam Wilson (33) first met over a decade ago while working at Lidl. “We became good friends outside of work,” explains Glenn, who studied retail management and rose to board-level roles. Adam, with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, also climbed the retail ranks before moving into hospitality. In 2017, a shared dream sparked change. “We realised we both wanted to open a café,” says Adam. “It was scary, but we knew we had the skills to make it work.” The following year, The Pear
From friends to café owners, Glenn and
Adam now run two local favourites serving great food and friendly faces.
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