Dromore crowned Northern Ireland's High Street of the Year 2026

Dromore is celebrating a hat-trick of success after being crowned Northern Ireland's High Street of the Year 2026, while local businesses Calm Coffee and EUROSPAR Moundview also picked up major awards at this year's High Street Heroes Awards.

The awards, decided entirely by public vote, recognise the independent retailers, employees, and high streets that play a vital role in communities across Northern Ireland.

For Calm Coffee owners Claire Anderson and Linsey McMurray, whose business takes its name from their initials, winning Best Coffee Shop came as a complete surprise. Speaking after the awards, Claire said the achievement belonged as much to the customers as it did to the business itself.

"We would like to say a massive thank you because we rely on our customers and the community in Dromore to support us by coming in every day and backing us in competitions that require a vote," she said. "Everything is dependent on the public and we're just so grateful that people chose to take time out and vote for us. We couldn't do anything without our customers, so we want to say a massive thank you."

Claire admitted the owners never expected to take home the top prize.

"It was a shock to hear that we had won because we never expected it. We were so happy just to get shortlisted because there are so many good coffee shops out there," she said. "We're just so happy for the town. There were a lot of businesses there that had also been shortlisted and nominated, so it was lovely to have that support around us when it was announced that we had won."

The award is a significant milestone for the independent coffee shop, which will celebrate its third anniversary next month.

"It feels like such a lovely reward for our hard work. We've only been open for three years next month and it feels like we've come such a long way. We're just so happy that our hard work is paying off," she added.

The celebrations did not stop there, with EUROSPAR Moundview Dromore also receiving recognition after being named Best Forecourt, while the town itself secured the prestigious High Street of the Year title ahead of fellow finalists Ballycastle and Newcastle.

A special reception at Belfast Harbour Commissioners brought together retailers, employees, business representatives, and community stakeholders from across Northern Ireland to celebrate the contribution local businesses make to their towns and cities.

Congratulating Dromore on its success, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the award reflected the dedication and community spirit found throughout the town.

"I am delighted to see Dromore recognised as Northern Ireland's High Street of the Year. As someone who proudly represents Lagan Valley, I know first-hand the important role Dromore's businesses play in supporting our local economy, creating jobs and bringing people together," she said.

"This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, creativity and community spirit that make Dromore such a vibrant place. From independent retailers and local businesses to residents and community groups, there is a real sense of pride in the town and that shines through."

She added: "Strong high streets are at the heart of strong communities. I would like to congratulate all of this year's High Street Heroes winners and finalists for the invaluable contribution they make right across Northern Ireland."

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said the awards gave the public an opportunity to recognise businesses that make an important contribution to local communities.

"This year's winners demonstrate the extraordinary strength and diversity of our independent retail sector," he said. "From Dromore being crowned High Street of the Year, every winner has earned the support and loyalty of the communities they serve."

He added that businesses such as those recognised at the awards were "much more than places to shop" and played an important role in creating jobs, providing services, and giving high streets their distinctive character.

For Dromore, the awards represent a remarkable endorsement from the public, highlighting the strength of the town's independent businesses and the community that continues to support them.