Peaberry is a coffee bar in the historic centre of Ghent, between Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Gerard the Devil’s Castle, with a terrace and a small city park across the street. It opened in July 2015, and in July 2024 it restarted, renovated, 35 metres further along the same street. The owner, Laurence De Jonghe, runs it with her team, and the regulars share the room with students and visitors. The name comes from the coffee cherry that holds a single bean instead of the usual two.
All of the coffee comes from Caffenation in Antwerp, a collaboration that dates from the first day. Peaberry pours it with pastries, and every day the breakfast menu grows with extra dishes into brunch, with no reservations. There is also wine, local beer and ice cream. Laptops are welcome during office hours with at least one order an hour; at the busiest times their owners are asked to sit at the counter, which has four stools with backrests, good light and a socket, and to leave the laptop aside at weekends and on holidays. Outside food is not allowed.
Peaberry has trained baristas since 2018, both through a full course linked to the Centrum voor Avondonderwijs that ends with an exam and a certificate, and through one-off latte art lessons for small groups or private students. The standard latte art course runs over two evenings. The bar also hosts wedding receptions, staff parties and company presentations, with a screen and projector.
Coffee on the shelf
- Caffenation Specialty Coffee Roasters supplies all of Peaberry's coffee, from Antwerp
Photograph: Peaberry Coffeebar