Portside Inn — Restaurant in Belfast

Terrible food. Terrible service.

I am ceoliac and went as part of a group of 20, they asked us to pre order, so we did that. I'd rang to check what options i had and was told anything could be adapted, so i gave two options in case my first choice couldn't be facilitated. When the food was served i checked with the waiter that mine was gluten free and was assured it was. I started eating and only to discover pastry in my dish. I took it back and was offered an alternative but when being advised what i could eat got confusing messages as to what was GF so decided it was safer not to take anything else.

When we went to clear our bill i was told they'd taken off the meal (as though this was something to be thankful for) and was asked to pay for my single coke.

When i suggested to the staff member (who seemed like the manager) should speak to their chief regarding it i was met with statements such as 'he's always very careful' i tried to point out he can't 'always' he careful since my food contaminated and got told it was 'due to us being a large group' to which i said that's not good enough espially since has pre ordered. There was no acceptance that this should be reviewed or that anything would be done to try and prevent it in future,

Needless to say i will...

Recently ate at the Portside, food was delicious but I was less than impressed with the service. I had a couple of points of feedback but was unable to commu icate these to the staff because at no point was I offered the opportunity. Nobody asked me "Was everything okay for you?" or a question to that effect. So here is my feedback: the chicken burger was delicious but the chef had overdone it with the condiment which, combined with the oil from the chicken and bacon made for a rather messy dining experience as the bap became somewhat soggy and was falling apart in my (consequently sticky) hands. The 5 Lamps is a delicious beer but it was (twice) served in an off brand glass, not typically a big deal but the Becks glasd it came in is an "activator" glass - ale is not supposed to be as lively as lager. Seriously, stop doing that. Thirdly, I asked for a toothpick and the staff member said they would check if they had any then never came anywhere near me again. It wasn't particularly busy. I had eaten here the previous week when it was much busier and the service was much better so I put this down as being atypical and still left a tip but...

A Thursday evening in January.

A gem of a place. 2 minutes from Stena Line ports and just off the M2. I have such good things to say about this beautifully rustic bar, with kitch history at every turn. From local hero George Best memorabilia to retro pub marketing posters and the like. A well kept pint is on offer to enjoy as your eyes pick out the curiosities on display everywhere.

A smiling welcome and great table service is there in abundance.

What about the food? In short, it is very good, very large and amazing value. I really enjoyed the Prawn Cocktail. I have never had a portion of prawns like it, even at home. Then to the mixed gril... My word. Chicken, steak, bacon sausage, black pudding, eggs, REAL onion rings and home cooked chips. My colleague had slow cooked beef that was as big as beef joints I'd carve on a Sunday. It was genuinely lovely. Quality meat, the local supplier of which is detailed on the menu, showing the local supply and pride in the produce used.

I pass regularly, and will go here every time 100%. It has the History, value, quality, service and charm I associate with Northern Irland

I...