Join the Quarantine Lockdown Quiz with Lurgan coffee shop

When the Coronavirus swept the country, businesses were forced to shut their doors and for many one of the most devastating things was losing contact with their loyal customers.
Ben, left, with Dylan Lyness, who gives out facts and does the statistics and the scoring, and Lily Lyness, who hosts the kids roundBen, left, with Dylan Lyness, who gives out facts and does the statistics and the scoring, and Lily Lyness, who hosts the kids round
Ben, left, with Dylan Lyness, who gives out facts and does the statistics and the scoring, and Lily Lyness, who hosts the kids round

In Lurgan, Love Coffee, which is based in a little courtyard on the High Street, was one of those businesses who had to temporarily close but owner Ben Nelson was determined to keep in touch with his customers so he came up with an inventive way to not only maintain contact, but to spread a little joy at the same time.

Ben, who celebrated a decade in business last year, decided when Love Coffee had to close due to the lockdown restrictions, he would set up an online quiz for his customers and it has proved to be hugely popular with 100 teams tuning in every week.

“Closing the shop for Covid-19 was one of the saddest things I’ve done,” admitted Ben. “I knew I was going to really miss the regular customers and my team.

“As a small business owner these are difficult and unprecedented times, I felt that the only thing I could continue to offer our customers was something light hearted to help pass the time. At the coffee shop we’ve hosted quiz nights in the past, so I knew it would be popular.

“We have also hosted lots of little music nights at the coffee shop so I was able to draw on my list of contacts from musical artists who have played at the coffee shop to contribute appearances.

“We never expected it to be as popular as it has proven to be, but it’s wonderful to see so many people engage with it.

“The number of people who have sent private messages and thanks over the weeks has been really moving. It’s a highlight of our week too - we really look forward to it. Hopefully when we are able to reopen we’ll be able to see all our new virtual friends in person for a coffee too!”

On quiz night, each team plays along at home by watching a live video feed on Facebook and answers using the traditional pen and paper. “We’ve had loads of people playing via Zoom and Facetime too,” continued Ben. “Then we collect all of the scores in using Google docs so we can generate a live, up to date leaderboard.

“We’ve had around 100 teams competing each week, furthest has been mainland Europe, Scotland and London too. Last week we had 4000 people engaging and over 1000 watching along.

“We music rounds contributed by Keelan Donovan (Nashville), Aaron Nelson (London) local artists Patrick Gardiner, Dickie Lee and Robb Murphy.”

People have certainly been enjoying the quiz nights and were quick to share their appreciation online. “I look forward to the Love Coffee Quarantine Quiz every week, it’s been great to have something to look forward to and as a self employed personal trainer my business has been closed since lockdown so it’s great to see other businesses adapt - it’s also wonderful to see the friendly faces I know from the shop each week,” said Rochelle Hynes.

“My family have taken part in all the Love Coffee quizzes from lockdown started. It’s something we really look forward to during the week and With social distancing impacting everyone at the minute it has been fantastic to have that social interaction. The people who run the quiz make it fun and entertaining, something the whole family enjoys,” commented Janine Haddock

The quiz is held each Thursday evening at 8.05pm and new people are always welcome. Visit http://Facebook.com/LoveCoffeeNI and play along at home.