The community of West Belfast has come together to congratulate a well-known business on its 20th birthday.

Since its opening in 2003, The Coffee House Bistro, on the Stewartstown Road, has built a strong staff team and reputation across Belfast and beyond.

Owned by husband and wife Jim and Mary McIlwaine, the pair’s business was “buzzing” on Friday, with balloons and cakes there to let people know it was a big day.

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Speaking to Belfast Live, Jim said: “I just feel so delighted that we have been here for 20 years.

“If anything, we can only thank our customers, staff and the entire community for supporting us over the last 20, but especially off the back of the last five years, which has had its challenges.

“The support we receive is tremendous, and its what keeps us going. It’s a family business, myself, my wife and my children work together. But once staff come in, they become family, that’s the type of place we have here.

“Working in The Coffee House is a joy for us, every single day. For us to be able to work, and serve people, and watch the community around us grow, that is special.”

The Coffee House team is now serving the children of customers they served as tots – making their bond strong with most that walk through their doors.

Jim said: “We have watched children grow into adults, and now have children of their own. We have watched customers become friends.

“People have said before, to move to bigger premises, or somewhere else, but this is home to us. This is cosy, well-known, and we will be here for the next 20.”

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