A popular Armagh city centre café has closed its doors for the final time this weekend.
Elsie’s, based on Upper English Street, announced its closure on Saturday after six wonderful years of service in the heart of Armagh.
The café, which was formally The Rainbow Café, opened in 2019 under the new owners and has been a welcoming dining experience for its many loyal customers.
However, its mother and daughter owners – Claire and Lillie – described the six years as “an incredibly special chapter in our lives [which] comes to an end”.
Posting on social media, the pair said: “After six unforgettable years we say goodbye to something that has been so much more than just a business.”
The pair described opening a café as “a leap of faith,” transforming The Rainbow into “a cosy, welcoming space filled with love, warmth, laughter, and community”.
“Together, as mother and daughter, we poured our hearts into every detail, from the first renovation to the first cup of coffee served.
“It was our dream to open a café that felt like home, a place where friends could gather, stories could be shared, and memories made. And thanks to the beautiful community here in Armagh, that dream became a reality.”
Claire and Lillie said they have seen so much over the years, “from early mornings and late nights, to the uncertainty of Covid in 2020, we faced it all with determination and love”.
They added: “Through challenges and triumphs, we’ve grown stronger, closer, and more grateful. We’ve hosted events, celebrated milestones, won awards we never imagined, and, most importantly, made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
They thanked their “incredible team” whose “loyalty, talent, and unwavering support helped shape Elsie’s into what it became – you’ve been the heartbeat of this place, and we couldn’t have done any of this without you”.
“To our customers, our friends, our family, thank you for showing up, for sharing in our journey, and for making Elsie’s Café a part of your lives. Your kindness, loyalty, and generosity will never be forgotten.
“While this farewell is bittersweet, we are leaving with full hearts and countless cherished memories. Elsie’s may be closing its doors, but the love, community, and joy it brought to our lives will live on.
“Here’s to the past six years. Thank you for being part of our story. We’ll miss you dearly, but we’re excited for what comes next.”
