1998 – The Beginning of Javaman Coffee
Javaman Coffee was founded by Philip Gallagher in 1998 with a small cart in Donegal Arcade, inspired by the coffee culture of cities like Seattle. His mission was to bring high-quality coffee to Belfast.

2001 – Expansion and Growth
With family support, Philip introduced a mobile coffee van imported from Italy and opened a shop at St George’s Market on Oxford Street. There, they began micro-roasting beans daily to ensure freshness.

2013 – A Recognized Local Favourite
From its market stall roots, Javaman became a beloved local destination, winning Best Stall at St George's Market in 2013 and gaining recognition for its focus on quality and education.

2018 – The Birth of Drop Hopper Coffee
In 2018, Philip expanded his passion for coffee by founding Drop Hopper Coffee Roasters. The mission was clear: to bring exceptional, expertly roasted coffee to the people of Belfast. The purchase of a state-of-the-art roasting machine marked the beginning of Drop Hopper's journey in creating high-quality, small-batch coffee beans for the local community.

2019 – Building a Loyal Following
Drop Hopper quickly earned a loyal following, as regular customers returned not only for the quality of the coffee but for the care and consistency behind every brew. This year also saw the launch of their retail beans and further growth in roasting knowledge, allowing them to share their passion for coffee with an ever-expanding customer base.

2021 – Navigating the Challenges of Covid-19
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Drop Hopper remained open as one of Belfast’s few takeaway coffee shops, continuing to serve the community with care and consistency.

2024 – Expanding Horizons
In 2024, Philip embarked on a journey to visit coffee-producing countries and coffee farms. This firsthand experience allowed him to better understand the processes and environments that shape the beans they source, further inspiring the work at Drop Hopper.

Today – A Continued Commitment to Excellence
Drop Hopper Coffee continues to roast, brew, and serve with the utmost care and dedication. Independent and local, the team remains passionate about delivering great coffee to the Belfast community. Every cup is crafted with consistency, and every interaction reflects our commitment to quality. Our journey is far from over, and we are more dedicated than ever to our mission of serving the finest coffee with care and passion.