Coleman’S in Antrim

This was second time i took my friends after an awful visit the time before. After this second visit they said they would never be back. Older member of staff was extremely rude and unhelpful as she had been on the previous visit. She didnt even come back to apologise when my friend found a big piece of cling film in the centre of her scone. She just whipped it away like we were an inconvenience. Coffee was poor but staff and service are appalling! Wont be back!

I have to concur with all the other one and two-star reviews for the cafe here. I went this morning with my son and my sister for a light brunch, and was really disappointed with the service, the food and just the general way the cafe is run. The cafe itself is a lovely, bright, tidy space which promises so much, but sadly delivers so little. To begin with you have to stand waiting for ages before being seated, and are directed to a specific section which is already quite full and noisy, rather than spreading people out more evenly among the other empty sections. We were given menus which are full of rules and regulations about what you can order, how to order it, no substitutions, exact portion sizes etc, which kind of puts you on the back foot from the beginning, as you feel like just by being there at all you are an inconvenience. Service is incredibly slow, although there seem to be plenty of staff going to and fro, but you have to try and actively catch someone's eye if you want to give your order. When you eventually manage to do so, they appear suddenly at your table without a word, pen poised over their notepad, and curtly take your order before hurrying off, no smalltalk or chat or 'sorry for the wait' whatsoever, not even a smile. The food takes its time coming out - around 20 minutes for two light brunch meals which shouldn't take long to make. (My sister's scone was brought out far sooner, though, so she had finished it before our food even arrived.) As for the quality of the food itself, it was well below expectations. My sausage/bacon sandwich was dry and lukewarm, and plopped down on a tiny side plate. Ditto my son's pancakes and sausage, a tiny little plate which made it hard for him to cut up. Absolutely no marks for presentation either, as the pic I've posted will show. The bacon was overcooked, the toast over-toasted, and the sausage chewy and pale in colour. Just not good at all and not worth the £5.95 paid. Getting the bill and paying is just as laborious a process as ordering; again no smalltalk, just a curt transaction and off they bustle. All in all, just a very unsatisfying and disappointing experience. All of which is strange because in all other respects Coleman's is a very nice garden centre. It has a good range of shops/concessions with some nice, friendly staff, so why this cannot extend into the cafe is beyond me. All I can think to say is that I can detect no sense of leadership on the shop floor, and no culture of a high standard or a good example being set by an obvious leader. Staff just seem to be bustling about with their heads down, and utterly reluctant to engage with customers in any way. I really hope that someone within Coleman's actually reads these reviews and takes them seriously enough to start making some meaningful changes in the way the café is run, and in making it a warmer and more enjoyable experience for their guests.

This is not my first time here but will likely be my last. As with my previous trips, the quality of food is standard at best, the service is just slow and disjointed and the staff - particularly the older staff are simply rude and really unfriendly and unwelcoming. We only called in for tray bakes and tea / coffee but my wife's tea had floaters in it, the kids doughnut felt hard when I cut through it and I was still waiting for my glass as we left. At one point one of the older ladies came to the side of our table and just stared at me, presumably telepathically sending me instructions as to what she wanted me to do so when I asked if she was ok she just replied with a "could you move that" - referring to the napkins covering the empty plates. If I was the owner, I'd be paying particular attention to these reviews and making some fundamental changes to how this cafe operates given Dobbies is now available to everyone at junction 1. I feel like this place attracts an older clientele that don't have high expectations but the current / next generation expect better and will simply avoid this place if it continues operating in such a mediocre manner. My review score reflects the cafe alone and not the other wonderful businesses and staff that operate in the premises

Took our mum for afternoon tea yesterday for her birthday - and what a tea it was. Such a lovely selection of sandwiches, mini scones, dainty pastries and treats and a little cup of soup. Pamela could not have been more helpful and I must say, having done afternoon tea in many places - this one beats the rest by a mile. After tea a leisurely shop for clothes ( Menary’s and ewm) shoes ( pavers) books (the works) speciality foods, garden accessories & plants, and all under one roof - ideal in this weather!

My wife and I visited Coleman’s this morning to have breakfast. We arrived at 10.45am and queued for 5 minutes waiting for a table - there are plenty of tables but for some obscure reason large sections are blocked off and people are put into small areas - it’s hard to understand why they have a large number of tables not available for use. After the lady had finished chatting with other staff members she eventually signalled for us to follow her to a distant table. We sat and she said to wait for our server to take out order. A young girl arrived in the area and we asked if we could order. She asked us to wait as she was placing other orders. In fairness she seemed busy and harassed. Curiously, several other staff members were standing around doing nothing other than chatting - again hard to see how they organise service with busy staff members working hard whilst others take it easy. The young lady eventually returned and took our order at 10.57am. My wife ordered tea and a scone whilst I ordered a fry and tea. At 11.10am a different server arrived with 2 pots of tea, a scone and the docket from the original server which had the order details written on it, 2 teas, 1 scone and 1 fry. My wife ate her scone and we both drank our tea as I waited for the fry to arrive. Looking around I could see the average time was about 10-15 minutes from order to food arriving with people At 11.25am I saw the lady who had shown us to the table and as she rushed past our seats, I interrupted her and asked if my food had been forgotten about and if she could check what the issue was. She mumbled something about checking that but then went to another table to talk to other customers. After about 5 or 6 minutes I could see her walk off towards the kitchen area and hoped she was going to return swiftly with my food, or at least with an apology and explanation as to why it was late. This however did not happen. A few minutes later I saw the same lady go to another table in our area to take a payment and as she rushed past us I got her attention and asked what was going on as it was now 35 minutes since I had ordered.. The lady clearly did not want to talk to me and asked what our server’s name was. We said we didn’t know but described the server. She said the girl’s name and then said that she must have forgotten to place the order but was doing that now - no apology or alternative given to me at all. I had noticed on the original docket that the order had been written correctly and I must presume that is what goes to the kitchen. I find it extremely bad form for a staff member to blame a junior member of staff. In this circumstance you must take ownership and responsibility for a service failure and then do what is necessary to correct your failings. Even at this point the lady failed completely to apologise or ask what she could do to help. At 11.36am, eventually another server brought the food, left it in the table and walked off without any mention at all of it being late, or asking if there was anything else that we needed. I ate the food, which was distinctly average, quickly got up and got ready to leave. I went to the till to pay, where the lady said she couldn’t remove food from the bill but would take a couple of items off - she removed the scone and tea from the bill, but not the fry. Again no hint of remorse or an apology. Overall the level and quality of service in this cafe just stinks. Uninterested staff, slow service, bad atmosphere and a very strange arrangement for seating/table service. They clearly neither care or are interested in customer service. The whole cafe is filled with signs on walls and tables stating in very strong terms what customers must and must not do. All seems to be about how to make staff’s lives easier with total disregard for customer service. To say this place disappoints is to understate matter considerably. I have no interest in returning here as it seems they have no interest in serving me or making my experience worthwhile in any way. The local area has many alternatives for cafes and shops and in future that’s where I will take my business.

Would give 0/5 if I could. Arrived at 9.15, there are about 100+ seats in the coffee shop, some in a reserved area and some in unreserved. When I went in I was told to take a seat and someone would take my order at the till. I sat at a corner table with 4 seats beside a plug socket as I needed to plug in my laptop. The restaurant was completely empty apart from one other couple. I was asked to move because the table I sat at in the unreserved area was actually reserved….. no sign, nothing. Packed all up and was direct to a few small tables but they were not beside a socket. Reluctantly I was told to sit at a table beside a socket but the waitress was then complaining to the other customers that she didn’t want me to sit there either, so rude and made me feel extremely uncomfortable. She said she didn’t want me to have that table because it had 4 seats and I was on my own. The other 50+ seats were empty, I was going to be there for 15-20 minutes so even if an unexpected rush came I would be gone by then. So rude, never seen such poor customer service. After being embarrassed and made uncomfortable in front of other customers I left. I asked to speak to the manager and explained the situation, he was unhelpful and unconcerned by the terrible service. I can see why it was empty and will never be back, shame on you Colemans Garden Centre, terrible service and horrible staff.

I had high expectations, the décor is gorgeous, spacious and clean. There was a big queue and was very busy. Food was very reasonably priced, I expected to look at the place it would be more expensive. Food was average enough, so maybe the price is realistic. We had a good wait to be fair, slightly under staffed. When trying to hurry away - we tried to pay the bill at the till and was rather rudely ordered back to our seat to wait for someone to come with a machine - it felt like being back at school! Coffee is weak too - you can see through it.

Always used liked Colemans, the garden centre has great plants and a variety of other things. The other shops are interesting, however the cafe has gone badly down hill since covid. It used to be a great carvery type place with a big choice of meat and interesting scones and desserts, if chaotic and confusingly laid out. However since covid it seems part McDonalds fast food and part prison camp. Service is always very slow and staff just ignore you when you try to get their attention (what was wrong with the self service carvery?). The food quality has been made low quality, the decor feels cheap and tacky. If you ask for water, you get a thimble full at a time. As soon as a place becomes popular, they always reduce quality and increase prices. Sadly without a decent meal it's no longer worth the trip from Belfast just for the shops, unlikely I'd be back.

My wife and I came here for lunch because we had points to use up. She had the breakfast stack which had a large slice of bacon, 3 half sausages, a fried egg, potato and soda bread and excellent filter coffee. I had the seafood chowder which was packed with different fish and some potato, served with good wheaten bread. I had a bottle of sparkling water with lots of ice - something you don't always get. This was very good food and a very filling lunch. Cost was £20 including a reasonable tip.

Called in on our way back from the airport for an early lunch. It was a busy Saturday lunchtime, but we only had to wait a few minutes for a table - we were happy to sit outside on the terrace, with gas heaters, and great views. Had a panini served with crisps and a small salad and my son had the fry stack, with an extra egg, plus coffees. Prices were very competitive compared to other places. Food was very good and staff were all very efficient. We had a look round the garden centre after lunch - there were talks going on by gardening experts and lots to look at. I bought some plant pots - they have a great choice, with unusual designs I haven’t seen elsewhere. All the staff we came across had great customer service skills - this is a very well managed business. Would recommend.

Have visited Coleman's many times this past year. Probably one of the best Garden centre experiences out there. Several branded concessions incld. Menary's, The Works, Pavers, Butchery, Garden centre and Restaurant. A very good free loyalty card for garden centre and restaurant is also available. Table service Is how restaurant works. A very extensive range of food is available. I have tried amongst other items, their steak sandwich, which I requested to be well cooked - it was, and was absolutely lovely, it came with a side of chips for about £12, which I think is about as cheap as you will get such a dish anywhere. Chicken Ceaser salad is also beautiful. I do like their milkshakes. Had keylime pie and fresh cream and it was lovely, tangy and fresh. Staff are friendly and on the ball. All very clean. Yes, you do have to pay at your table before leaving, but that works fine and avoids standing in a queue to pay.

This is for the restaurant only. I went to Coleman's today with my young grandson. We hadn't booked in advance so had to stand and wait to be seated. Although several members of staff passed by us no one acknowledged our presence. We waited some time but were seated eventually. My grandson wanted a cheese burger and fries. There was none on the children's menu but there was one listed with chips on the adult menu. I ordered that and asked if it could be served with a children's portion of French fries instead of the chips and sliced white bread instead of the burger bun. Apparently this couldn't be managed as 'there is a set menu and we can't change it'. I ended up ordering the adult meal and a children's meal in order to swap the chips and French fries. When the food arrived the sliced bread had been substituted for the bun but the 'chips' that couldn't be changed were French fries, exactly the same as the children's plate. I asked the person who delivered the food about this and he replied 'what's your problem and I'll see if I can do anything'. His attitude was poor to say the least. When I came to pay the bill, it was the person who took my order came with the card machine. The only words he spoke were 'does contactlees suit' and 'do you want your receipt', no enquiry about the food or the usual pleasantry about a good afternoon etc. My grandson did enjoy the burger and said it was very good. I didn't eat the chicken bites from the children's menu, they looked horrible. I notice that quite a few of the negative comments here are about bad service. I can fully understand them. I doubt that I'll be back although I live very nearby. People at the next table who arrived after us but were served before us also mentioned the poor service and that they wouldn't be hurrying back.

Visited the cafe today with my daughter for the first time ever. Previous reviews have been harsh on this place but I'm afraid mine isn't much better. The menu choice for 'light bites' wasn't great so my daughter had a scone and I settled for the 'homemade quiche' with salad. Terrible choice for me! The quiche was very bland, bit rubbery, and quite small portion for £7.50. The salad was not fresh at all. My daughter did enjoy her scone. I do have to say the waitress was very pleasant and helpful. Service was quite fast but the food not good. Note to self and others - try elsewhere!

This is a review for the cafe only which is abysmal. You wait for ages to be seated while staff walk past you. This happens even if you have a reservation. The staff badly need trained in customer service. One young girl in particular was extremely rude and should not be anywhere near customers. The French toast is the worst I have ever had. Freezing cold in the middle with a miserly portion of maple syrup which tasted more like golden syrup. We had to ask for a glass for a soft drink as only the bottle was brought down and also had to ask for napkins as they hadn’t been replenished. Nobody came near us the whole time to see if we were enjoying our food and if we needed anything else. When we asked for the bill we were told by the server we would have to wait until he had finished setting out the tables! They won’t split bills so make sure you either all have cash or all have cards. I would advise anyone visiting the area to go one of the other local establishments to eat.

Went with friends who have mobility issues, all the disabled parking spaces had been occupied which was ok, due to the amount of elderly visitors the centre attracts. However it was only when leaving I noticed two disabled spaces at the front door prime spots had been occupied for prompting mobility cars. I spoke to an employee who was near by and said politely maybe your management should rethink where they put promotional vehicles as they are taking away from disabled visitors using them, he replied abruptly “we have more spaces than is required by law” I said that maybe the case, but you have them for a reason and they are all full, he walked off. They could have park them in another spot!!!

Waited by the sign to be seated for a while and probably felt longer with the amount of staff walking past and ignoring us.. Eventually advised of our table number and pointed in it direction to take a seat. Again poor service. Young guy came...

Up until last night I never knew Colemans existed. Having just had lunch I am shocked by some reviews but can only comment on my experience. A busy restaurant - it's not a Michelin Star, silver service joint but it served the purpose. The staff...

Shocking service horrible food horrible staff and only half our order came and staff tried to charge for it all had to ask for spoon even though we needed one for the meal

So where to start - second time trying after bad experience last time was bad but decided to try again - staff rude - extremely slow- high chair requested and brought with a grudge ! Coffee very ok - had to go do school run...

I’ve had some pretty ordinary meals in my time but today at Coleman’s Garden centre I had what can only be described as the perfect storm of appalling service, appalling customer care and appalling cooking. We arrived just after one and joined a queue as...

Went for lunch and ordered vegetable soup which came in a tiny plant pot. Looks very trendy but very insubstantial for the price

Quality if food is extremely hit and miss, sometimes its great, but then it's awful. Staff are disinterested and have zero customer training or personality. Had to repeatedly ask for butter, which should have been served with the wheaten bread. I will not be back.

Popped in for a bit of lunch and was very pleased as I ordered a chicken cesar salad and it was delicious. Only criticism was I think maybe you should offer it in a small plate and large as it was abit pricey and far...

Ordered a sandwich. The bread had an inch of margarine. Hubby had salad. Enough for 3 persons. Couldn't give me a small cup of coffee. Only large mugs. I opted for water. When we eventually got to pay the waitress asked if everything was OK....

I was worried about what to expect given some of the reviews but we were pleasantly surprised. Very pleasant staff, lovely scones and great coffee.

My husband and I visited today to have a browse and buy some nice food from the butchers and deli. This garden centre has a great selection of everything, including a clothing concession, Pavers, kitchenware and lots of other goodies. Unfortunately trying to get someone...

The coffee was weak and poor for the price. Either the machine was set to dispense less beans or the quality is well below standard. Pity as the place is well laid out and inviting and measures well against the opposition.

Shopping at the concessions is reasonably priced but cafe/coffee shop is an absolute rip off. Miserably sized portions that are so overpriced. I know it’s a garden centre and you expect a bit of a premium on the prices but this place takes it to...

I like to support local businesses so it's disappointing to have to give this place a less than glowing review. Having visited many times I've always been happy enough but sadly my latest visit was not great. The coffee and scone I had were fine...

I took a friend to Coleman’s today for a birthday lunch. It was so disappointing! We ordered Quiche and asked if we could have coleslaw with it instead of salad but that was not considered acceptable! The menu told us it was suitable for vegetarians...