Jamaica Blue Belfast — Restaurant in Belfast

My scores are based purely on the coffee experience. In a world (and area) dominated by other chain coffee shops, when I saw the Jamaica Blue open up, I thought it would be the ticket to a better coffee alternative than the extreme dark roasts of Starbucks - even though Jamaica Blue is a chain as well. This optimism got me in the door where I found pleasant surroundings and friendly staff, an array of food options and a view into an actual kitchen so they are making food on site, which is certainly a step up over other chain options who ship in pre-made sandwiches, etc. They have all the coffee tools ready to rock good coffee so looking at the menu for espresso, I was a bit confused not to find it wasn't there, even though that is the method they employ. Either way, you can get around it with your order and all is good. Sitting in, they bring the coffee to your table which is a nice touch over other chains that make you stand, wait and carry it precariously across the café to your chosen table. The drinks are well made, the baristas clearly know what they are doing - everything is a win so far - but then we get to the tasting of the coffee itself and this is where the score drops. The taste is bitter and screams of over roasted beans. Possibly even moreso than Starbucks, which is an impressive achievement in itself. This is a real shame. Even if they used beans on the medium side of dark it would make a world of difference. Obviously it is my personal preference and I would prefer much lighter but I can't help but feel this is a lost opportunity. It might work OK if you like a milky beverage like a latte and want to really feel the coffee punch but still not ideal. For the money you would have a much better time going to Nero's which are very easy to find in the area. It is worth reinforcing that the downfall is not the fault of the staff or franchise owners - they are doing a spot on job. They will be provided with these beans by the Jamaica Blue corporate overlords who will be making the decision on beans based on cost...

I decided to make my first stop in town to Jamaica Blue after hearing great things about this place. Unfortunately, my expected experience was not entirely what I was expecting.

First of all, I have to give great thanks to the staff who accommodated me from the beginning of my visit. I was given a clear run-through of what I had to do, how to order, and they explained alternative options available for me when ordering my meal. The service time was quick, friendly and left a great impression of me as a first time visitor.

However, when it came to the food, I felt myself wishing for more. I ordered the Veggie Brunch (toasted sourdough with avocado spread and a sun-dried tomato hummus, plum tomatoes, spinach, a plant based sausage, mushrooms & chilli jam) and substituted the mushrooms for an additional sausage. At the price of £12.90, I was expecting there to be more on my plate, perhaps a second slice of toast, or maybe an optional egg for those who'd want one. In summary, while it was delicious and I thought the variety of tastes were fantastic, the pricing means that I am not overall satisfied with it.

The coffee, on the other hand, quenched that caffeinated thirst lingering inside me. The additional charge (which is unfortunately a common thing across nearly all coffee shops) for oat milk felt bitter. The coffee itself did not taste bitter thankfully, and I was very happy by the end of my cup.

Overall, whilst I am disappointed in the pricing, I have had a good experience with this cafe. I would recommend it to others for coffee if they are...

My experience at Jamaica Blue cafe left much to be desired. The barista's unconventional method of testing milk temperature by dipping a finger into the jug raised hygiene concerns. The milk jug itself appeared neglected, lacking any sign of proper cleaning for an extended period. This unsettling observation set a discouraging tone for the overall cleanliness of the establishment.The issue extended to the utensils provided; the coffee spoons were visibly dirty with remnants of old food. This oversight in basic cleanliness significantly impacted the initial impression of the cafe. In addition, the necessity to relocate due to a sticky table further highlighted the lack of attention to cleanliness and maintenance in the seating area.Despite these setbacks, the redeeming factor was the coffee itself. Once served, the coffee managed to salvage the experience to some extent. However, the delayed arrival of the beverages added to the overall frustration. The taste was acceptable, providing a silver lining amidst the various cleanliness issues encountered.In conclusion, Jamaica Blue cafe falls short in maintaining a hygienic and inviting environment. The unorthodox milk temperature testing, coupled with visibly neglected utensils and sticky tables, detracts from the potential enjoyment of the visit. While the coffee quality eventually met expectations, the overall experience was marred by concerns over cleanliness. Improvement in hygiene practices and attention to the cafe's overall upkeep would greatly enhance the appeal of Jamaica Blue for...