What started with two friends cutting each other’s hair has, almost eight years later, developed into Locked In, a new coffee shop and barbershop opening in Brackernagh on Sunday, October 11.
Owner, Kyle Blackweir, is a 23-year-old from Taughmaconnell. The name reflects the thinking behind the business. “It’s a statement about committing yourself to a goal or challenge. Once you’ve decided what you’re going after, you lock in and achieve it,” Kyle says.
The journey began while Kyle was in Transition Year at Garbally College. He and a friend regularly travelled to Athlone for haircuts, but neither could drive, so they began cutting each other’s hair instead. Kyle completed a barbering course in Edenderry and continued developing his skills while still at school. After he finished school in 2021, he was approached by Joe Ward, owner of Joe Ward Menswear, and offered the opportunity to cut hair from the premises.
Barbering suited Kyle’s way of learning. “I liked that how good you became was largely down to yourself. If you put the work in and improve the quality of your cuts, people come back to you. You can see the results of the effort you’re putting in.” University isn’t something he has ruled out but he didn’t get the points required for the courses that genuinely interested him, and didn’t want to choose something simply for the sake of going to college. “I enjoy learning, now more than ever, but I’ve found I learn best when I’m actively involved in something. I had a craft in front of me that I could develop and turn into something,” Kyle says.
The idea for Locked In emerged two or three years ago from a desire to create a brand around what Kyle had already built. For him, barbering and coffee have a natural connection. A haircut can be part of preparing for work, sport, an interview or an important occasion, while coffee can be part of starting the day, focusing or preparing for what’s ahead. He adds: “I didn’t want it to feel like a barbershop with a coffee machine in the corner. I wanted both sides to have their own identity but still work together as one place.”
Having grown up locally, opening in Ballinasloe feels natural to Kyle. The Brackernagh location is close to his existing client base, with passing traffic and nearby schools, sporting clubs and Portiuncula University Hospital, yet no coffee shop on that street. Kyle has also been very hands-on with the design and interior.
With an interest in carpentry, he has been involved in almost every aspect of creating the shop. “I want people to see and feel the quality, from the coffee they’re drinking to the craftsmanship that’s gone into the woodwork around them. The idea is quite simple: quality and experience.”
Kyle chose Geometry Coffee Roasters in Tuam as Locked In’s supplier and has completed barista training with them. “I want to set a benchmark for the standard of coffee in Ballinasloe,” he says.
Kyle plans to open Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm, and Saturday/ Sunday 8am-4pm. Barbering hours will probably be 10am – 6pm. You can find the new shop at H53 AY90. For more info, call (087) 741 2211, or find it on Facebook as Locked In, and Instagram as @locked_incoffee.
