the pocket — Restaurant in Town Parks

We went to the pocket last weekend and were extremely disappointed by the service there! We arrived a few minutes before opening hours (8 a.m) as we wanted to have breakfast before heading out for a day trip. We were a group of 4 and 2 of us had standard sized backpacks. When we entered we were told that that they had a table for us but would only take food orders at 8 a.m which we were ok with. As we were entering, we were told by the woman serving us that the "big bags" would have to be left at the counter. We thought that was a rule of no backpacks allowed so we abided by that. Bear in mind we had valuables and other personal items in them.

Shortly after, we saw a couple enter and the man had a backpack same as the size we had and he was allowed to have it with him. When we observed it, two of us went to collect our backpacks and the same woman made sure she was looking at us and that made us explain why we were taking it back, to which she replied "oh you don't have to explain yourself, it's yours you can take it." We didn't want to argue or make a scene at the time and ruin our morning but still wonder why she asked us to keep the backpacks at the entrance of the cafe.

The food was fine, but the service was questionable. The name on the receipt of the server was Beth. But not sure if Beth was the woman who unfortunately was serving us and made the experience rather uncomfortable.

UPDATE

Thank you for your reply. The point of the whole review was the service from staff. First of all it wasn't raining that day (Friday the 26th of September), it was in fact very bright and sunny. So I don't know where you are coming from with the floor and wet items. We were not asked to leave any wet items but our backpacks. It was almost as if it was a rule of the cafe. However, when we looked at the other couple across the room with their backpack beside them. So don't know why there was bias or double standards there. It just made the experience not a nice one. Maybe you could train your staff to treat every...

I’ll reiterate the negative reviews about rude staff and being rushed out of the place. It’s customary for me and my friend to have an early Saturday breakfast and catch up, and we visit a different place every weekend. This place tries hard to be “unique” but hey we’re in Belfast, not in any cosmopolitan city, so your unique is quite pretentious. That aside, before we even had breakfast, a member of staff climbed on a chair to fix something, and did not bother wiping the chair when he got off it. Whatever he had stepped on that day would be transferred onto someone’s clothes. Food was ok, overpriced for the quality, and coffee was bad. Very sour, as if it had been made some time ago and reheated. To top things off, once we had finished our meal (not our drinks) the harassment began. We were asked if we wanted to order something extra, then asked if our plates could be collected, then had the manager hover over our table, then the receipt was left on our table, and then we were asked outright to pay and leave, unless we were going to order something else, because (I quote) “we can only stay for as long as we’re having our meal”. Horrendous approach. We were told there was a queue outside, but I’m pretty sure nobody would be happy taking the table if they knew our morning catch up was cut short. I’ve travelled all over the world, never had anyone kick me out of any type of establishment after less than 45 minutes (according to my parking app, it was 1 hr and 7 minutes from parking the car until getting back to it). I hope people wake up and realise that patronage should be respected and returned with politeness and professionalism. If I wanted fast food I would have gone to KFC, quality isn’t much different, atmosphere is more honest and I’m sure I’d have been treated with more...

On my first day in Belfast, I found The Pocket and lucky for me I found them on an empty stomach. Here I was thinking it would be a dainty cafe with a recognisable menu. I was completely stunned by their menu and how many elements were written down for each dish. Even when I took a glance at other customers plates, I was lost for words at their large portions and beautiful presentation.

This type of cafe is very trendy and eats well. It’s extremely pleasing on the eye and doesn’t leave you breaking the bank. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to be. If you love a full breakfast, this is the place to be. Whatever breakfast and brunching needs you require, they’ll absolutely take care of you.

I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken n’ Waffle. Although, I enjoyed it and I was so full by the end. I found it lacking in flavour. The chicken itself was quite bland and could’ve had a pop of spice or more seasoning in the flour before frying. I ended up using the salt and pepper shaker to boost the flavours. Aside from that slight fault, I genuinely can’t complain about the rest. I had a taste of everyone else’s meal from the Pocket Fry to the French Toast and those were absolutely perfect.

The staff were extremely helpful and friendly when helping us decide what to order. I couldn’t have picked a better place to really kick off my time in Belfast than eating at The Pocket. This is the one place I can confidently recommend anyone to come to for an amazing...