Ground Espresso Bars in Newtownabbey

I was shopping in Next today & decided to go for my usual coffee at Ground, which I’ve been doing on a weekly basis for years I needed to use the bathroom beforehand but when I tried to enter the toilets they were locked. A male server shouted over to me that they were for Ground customers only & they required a code to enter. As I started to explain, a female server came over to me & repeated that the toilets were for customer use only. I explained that I WAS a customer but needed to use the ladies before I ordered. As it was lunchtime there was a queue & I needed the toilet immediately, after which I would order. This female server abruptly said “you’ll get the code when you get your receipt!” I tried to explain that I needed the toilet there & then & before I could explain that I am registered disabled she walked off. I was shocked at this behaviour, very embarrassed & walked away. I walked around the mall to use the centre toilets & went into Cafe Nero where I was greeted & welcomed & enjoyed my coffee & cake. The behaviour of the staff in Ground was disgusting, discriminating & totally unacceptable. I will never use this cafe again & will be reporting their actions to the relevant agencies under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Been a few times and a guy possibly called stevie always is friendly pleasant & makes it a even nicer experience nothing is to much trouble

This coffee shop has obviously gone downhill since the last review. The younger staff were lovely but unfortunately the older one was quite abrasive. We had two ham and cheese sandwiches which were uninspiring and not even served with salad or crisps though we did notice that other customers had been given them. We have been to other Ground coffee shops where the food and service were excellent but we will not be returning to the Newtownabbey one.

I visit the coffee shop at least once at month for breakfast or lunch. The staff is friendly. Coffees and food selection always very good. I really like the view on the lough.

Popped in here for a bit of breakfast. It was quite busy - most tables full etc. The staff (only two men on) were so friendly, cheerful and helpful. Totally keeping their cool. Such a great experience! Felt safe and welcomed here! Well done gents - props to you guys!

Just popped into Ground for a quick visit yesterday for coffee and a snack. While standing in the queue I asked what a ‘cortado’ was. The assistant answered knowledgeably and explained the difference between a cortado and a flat white. The cortado was delicious and my lemon and blueberry muffin was soft and scrumptious. Well done Ground. Good coffee, great food, excellent staff.

Today I visited ground, the service was brilliant, very friendly staff, the toilets spotless with extremely high standards of cleanliness throughout the cafe at these uncertain times with covid. The gentleman thanked me and wished me well as I was leaving... With being isolated from society it was so nice to just have a normal coffee and feel very welcome. Thank you nice gentleman barista you made me smile today.

Staff helpful, very pleasant. Food is lovely and a great selection, cafe was busy from young family's to business men couples, friends nice atmosphere,. Love the decor and its bright and airy. Good value as well. Worth a visit.

This is my second review in a cafe in abbey centre for similar reasons. I can’t get over staff not being more aware of hygiene. I watched staff member with gloved hands handle everything from buns to bacon without once changing gloves. She was about to lift a bun after handling bacon when I asked her to stop and please change gloves. I’m not sure she even realised why it was important. This is so basic that I wonder why it’s not adhered to. I won’t be eating food there again and it’s a shame as it’s local company. Teas are good, veggie options are dry and tasteless. Good range of cakes. But man oh man going from bacon to buns .....no thanks

Grounds is one of a small chain of coffee shops which is in th Next store at the Abbey Centre. The coffee is great and there is a great choice of cakes and other food. We've been there several times with our family. The staff are great and the premises clean.

Lovely big cafe area with good views but Poor overall. First point is, they do not sell sandwiches - even though Ground does at Sprucefield. I didn't want a wrap - mid morning, so ordered a bacon roll and sausage roll. Very disappointed as the Bacon was virtually cold and raw - even when I returned it and it was brought back to me. Sausage roll was almost stone cold, Tables had not been cleared and cleaned. Staff need to be trained and supervised and sandwiches should be an option.