When Aidan and Delia Mulligan closed The Spiced Bean Cáfe last May after 28 years, the loss was felt, not only on Mary Street, but throughout the whole of Mullingar.
Just three months later, a young Westmeath couple have reopened the landmark eatery and the reaction from the local community has been ‘overwhelming’ with well-wishes, cards, flowers, wine and Champagne still flowing through their doors.
Matt Doyle from Collinstown and Makayla McCormack from Mullingar, both 24 years of age, met in college four years ago, and have been together since. The Spiced Bean Café is their latest joint venture but it is far from their first rodeo.
“We’ve been running Tullynally Tea rooms for the past three years and then we were in Florida for nine months,” Matt told Topic. “We came back to this great opportunity. It is the perfect location in a lovely building and it was great to be able to take this on from Aidan and Delia. We decided to keep The Spiced Bean name as people are familiar with it and they seem very happy we made that decision.”
Home cooked menu
The café opens from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and serves a fresh, home cooked menu similar to that of the previous owners.
“We’ve kept the same kind of food and menu that Aidan and Delia were doing but put our own twist on it,” Makayla explained. “We’ve kept up the home-cooked hams, the homemade coleslaw, quiche and lasagne, always offering something hot for lunch, and of course our excellent coffee. We have yet to get the recipe for Delia’s potato cakes, they are in high demand!”
It’s all in a name
Keeping The Spiced Bean name was an easy decision for the couple who had sought previous owners Aidan and Delia Mulligan’s advice in the past.
“They were delighted for us to keep the name and see it stay open as a café,” Matt said. “It was a loss to the town when they closed and everyone missed them. People still come in asking for Muggs (Aidan) and Delia, they want to see us do well like they did.
“Aidan and Delia also said we reminded them of themselves opening up at a young age. Honestly, only for their encouragement, we probably wouldn’t have taken this place and it’s amazing, because when we started out in Tullynally, it was Aidan who put us in touch with the company Coffee Affection. We were using the same coffee out there as he, and now we use it here in The Spiced Bean. Everyone loves their coffee and they are a brilliant company to work with.”
Customer-focused
Good coffee, along with exemplary customer service, quality fresh food and a great experience is essential to the success of a business like The Spiced Bean, according to Makayla.
“Already we can see it. Customers might come in for breakfast then tell us they’ll be back later for coffee or lunch which is a lovely warm feeling. People working from home might just want a decent cup of coffee, a smile or a chat, and something good to eat that they can rely on.
“Every day is different. Meeting people, serving good food and making memories is what it’s all about. One thing that Aidan and Delia always say is that they loved having the craic every day, coming in and enjoying what they did and we hope to do the same.”
Kind and generous
For the first time in four years the couple will work apart this September when Makayla takes up a primary school teaching post in Delvin, but she will still be on hand at weekends and to support Matt, whose lifelong dream it was to open a café in Mullingar, and who is ‘overwhelmed’ by the welcome they have received.
“The whole town has been so kind and generous. Day after day people are coming in to support us from local shops and pharmacies, the church, the garda station – they have all come down to say hello.”
The future
Matt has future dreams of opening an evening Tapas and wine bar but for now is keeping his focus firmly on making The Spiced Bean the best café it can be.
“We are hopeful for our future here and with the amazing support we have had from everyone in the community, we’re very hopeful it will go well for us. We look forward to making memories now- meeting everyone, getting to know the regulars and their orders when they walk in.”
Warm tributes from Aidan and Delia
Aidan and Delia Mulligan ran the Spiced Bean Café for 28 years, hanging up their aprons for the last time in May. They knew when they met Matt and Makayla, that they had found the perfect new proprietors.
“They’re a young, enthusiastic couple, and have really nice personalities about them and I knew that they were going to be right for the place,” Aidan told Topic. “I am delighted for them, because I’ve been with them since they opened and they have a lovely buzz around the place. It really works out well for them.”
The young couple reminded Aidan and Delia of themselves starting out – young, enthusiastic and keen.
“We were just back from London,” Aidan recalled. “We didn’t know what to do with ourselves. We were there for the next 28 years, through good and hard times. That would be my advice, to stick through good and hard times and keep the right attitude. It’s going to get quiet sometimes but if you look after your customers, you’ll be okay.
It’s not always easy working as a couple either, there will be days when you’re glaring at each other but the good days will make up for that and there are more good than bad. Just stick with it.”
Aidan misses the customers but not the early mornings and offered one last piece of advice for the young couple.
“Keep the food fresh, look after your customers, and they will keep coming back but probably don’t give them as hard a slagging as I gave them,” he joked. “Customers will probably be able to walk into Spiced Bean now without someone slagging them off.”
Spiced Bean Extras Outside catering
Delicious homemade fare is now served beyond the walls of The Spiced Bean.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiries so have already started to cater for some schools and businesses in town,” Matt said. “We’ve provided platters of sandwiches and our takeaway quiche is a big hit. We can do chicken curry, beef stroganoff and more. Call or drop in to us in advance with your order and we’ll do our best to have it ready to go at a time that suits you.”
Order ahead
The café has been busy, especially at lunchtime, since reopening its doors in the last few weeks. This is great news, according to Matt, but thinking ahead can help avoid the queue.
“If people want to order ahead, especially at lunchtime, just call us. It means you won’t be waiting in the queue which can build up fairly quickly,” he advised.
Lunchtime specials
Lunchtime specials are on the plans for the months ahead. “Think vol au vents, chilli, stew and hot dinners. At the moment, we’re finding our feet but we are looking to add those in the very near future. We’ve been so blown away by all the support, but we haven’t been able to add anything extra to the menu because Denise is in the kitchen full time, constantly making quiches and lasagnas. They’re flying out the door alongside the sandwiches.”
Delivery
The Spiced Bean offer a delivery service outside peak busy times. Call or drop in to discuss your needs and they’ll do their best to look after you.
It’s a dog’s life
Pooches are priority at The Spiced Bean as Puppuccinos and Doggie Treats are served. “We have very important visitors who come to the hatch for their treats in the morning and, while we don’t have the capacity for dogs inside, we look after them as best we can.”
Official Opening
At 12pm on Saturday, September 14, a very special guest will cut the ribbon, officially opening The Spiced Bean. Everyone is welcome and there will be free coffees and appetisers on the day. Normal business will be suspended to allow all to celebrate the momentous occasion but the café will be open to the general public.
The Spiced Bean is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm.
Call 044-9349967 or see The Spiced Bean Café on Facebook and Instagram.
