Gwen's Cafe in Ballymena

Awful cafe worst cafe I have been in. Burnt lasagne . No vegan options and staff didn't even know what vegan was. Rude staff

Breakfast was good but my grandson ordered a pancake and only got half a pancake! Unfortunately there is no card machine which is not acceptable or indeed likely in this day and age.

What a great find. My husband hates driving to places like this but it was so worth it. Great breakfast. I had the full Irish and my husband had the pancakes fried which was totally different being Canadian. But they were so good. The staff was lovely and the place was absolutely spotless. So worth the stop.

Just had the most amazing meal in Gwen’s cafe. Food is delicious , staff very friendly and the place is absolutely spotless. A great place to visit . A very covid safe environment. Can’t wait to go back

Had breakfast her last Monday, excellent as usual. Decided to go for lunch on Thursday before they had to close again. It was amazing, my husband hasn't stopped talking about it since. He had the chicken stack with champ, pepper sauce, I had sticky chilli chicken with salted chilli fries. Brilliant. Yes you are asked to pay before service, but if isn't mandatory. See you soon

I fully appreciate that we are in the midst of a pandemic, and everything is only beginning to find a new normal. However, I found it straight up insulting that myself and my friend were made to pay for our meal before it was brought to the table, when the table beside us were not. Did you just not like the look of us? I’d rather you asked us to leave. As if that was not bad enough, I actually paid somebody whom I would assume is some sore of culinary professional to microwave a ‘poached’ egg. This was served in a ramekin, and honestly had the consistency of a tyre. This combination of failures on your part ruined what is now a luxury during the current crisis. I only gave one star because I had to.

We went here for lunch while Christmas shopping at the big. Shopping centre in the middle of Ballymena Hi. Service was excellent and a very good range of foods on the menu. My wife had a Fry which was very good and tasty. I had the Mash with Sausages, onion and bacon, but I am not a bacon lover so I asked if it would be possible to have an extra sausage instead of bacon, this was not a problem. Both meals were very tasty and a decent price. Gwens is a very clean cafe with a nice ambiance and I would highly recommend to anybody visiting or indeed resident in Ballymena. Keep up the good work.

One female member of staff was very rude, she asked that my nephew and I move to a smaller table as they were getting busy, there were 2 free booths, lots of tables free downstairs and not to mention all of their tables upstairs. Don’t bother wasting your hard earned money if you can’t sit where you like when somewhere is so quiet....it would not have taken very long for my nephew and I to finish eating if the hospitality staff bothered using their common sense....I also doubt that at 0945 on a Tuesday morning it was their “busy period”. In my experience in hospitality, if you want people to sit in a specific seat then have someone welcoming you at the door in a friendly manner and seat them...not rudely tell people to move. Anyone reading this, why not go across the street to Nobel Cafe where they have great food and friendly staff! Remember, manners don’t cost a thing and the customer is always right!

Great café and I have to stress they do not charge for tap water The breakfast special is on to 11.30

Ive been to Gwens a few times for breakfast and lunch. You will not find a better breakfast in ballymena for the money, the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Cant fault it one bit. Even our fussy 10 year old likes it and thats unheard off. Well done guys !!

Visited Gwen’s Cafe with my husband for breakfast. The place was absolutely buzzing and we had to sit upstairs. I’m never really a fan of sitting upstairs as I always think you’re forgotten about however, this was not the case in Gwen’s. Waitresses were extremely attentive and our order was taken in a very timely manner. Drinks followed in a matter of minutes and food not long after that. Great selection of food to chose from and all very tasty. Definitely be back.

First class service for a very busy cafe and the food is first class. Staff very pleasant and helpful for anyone who needs assistance

Lovely cafe super clean, friendly staff and great prices. We both had 7 piece all day breakfast cooked perfectly with good quality products. Have been several times and never been disappointed.

Decided to give this small restaurant a try today. Very busy. Excellent menu and Specials board. Staff welcoming and very friendly. Teas and food served quickly. Food absolutely beautiful, teapot refilled at no extra cost. Excellent and will definitely return.

Great breakfast and quick but slightly expensive and can be hard to get the meat cooked the way you want

I arrived after the cheap breakfast time, and what I got was really to expensive the place was very clean staff nice and polite. I payed to much so I would not be in a hurry back.

My sister and I ate lunch in this cafe last week. It was clean, with lovely decor and pleasant staff. The food was hot and delicious and there were generous portions. As we had soft drinks, I cannot comment on the charge for tap water. The toilets were spotless. Would recommend based on our first visit.

Having decided to give in here a try again after not coming in for a good while I was surprised to notice a charge for water on the menu which I can’t believe is standard practice. When I was asking for something not to be included in my meal our server kept trying to make us take the item as “the food would be nicer with it” now I have seen why I stopped coming here in the first place.

When here for food I had a glass of water and to my surprise when I was paying this cafe charges you £1.50 for a glass of tap water. The staff here have no friendliness or helpfulness while the food is just tasteless and lacks quality and quantity.

We have eaten breakfast here for many years. The food is amazing, but this morning there were 4 males 2 tables down from us. They had finished their food when we came in, but despite people waiting for tables they sat on. As we were finishing our food I noticed that they were sitting with their heads bowed!!! They were praying!!! Surely this is not acceptable. The owner had no problem with it.

Wonderful friendly and timely service and very good food. Specials board, great value with courteous personable staff.

I kid you not this establishment needs serious help . Staff need intense training on how to speak to paying customers. I witnessed staff arguing with each other in raised voices. This was my first visit to Gwen's Café and I can assure you it will be my last. Owner needs to get to grips with staff and how they address the public.

Have been visiting this place for their fabulous breakfasts for many many years. They have never disappointed! Service and food are always excellent as is price. One thing we always do when we visit the area!

We visited for the first time and I had Champ with Sausages and bacon with onion gravy and my wife had the Ulster Fry. Service was excellent and the meals were served very soon after ordering, we will return again soon, highly recommended.

was here for lunch with my parents, they ordered sandwichs and I ordered a baked potato with beans. we sat upstairs and the lights were only turned on when another party came up to eat. my father's sandwich looked like it had been made by a child, just threw on the plate with obvious finger marks on the bread, my baked potato was inedible. I left it sitting on the plate, it was watery and mushy! felt like it was straight out of the freezer and into the microwave. two waitresses walked past us and talked to two other tables and did not approach us to ask how the food was. as soon as we got up a waitress began to clear our table, obviously my plate was still full and still no query on how we found the food. my father paid just said it was ok to not upset staff but for two sandwiches, a side order of chips, a baked potato and beans and 2 coffees and a tea being 19 pound with poor quality I won't be returning again!

Just returned from an all inclusive very expensive holiday to Mexico. Hot food luke warm, chilled food luke warm!!! Give us Gwen's any time!!!!

We go here every Saturday morning for a fry up. Most I’ve queued for a table is 5 minutes. There’s lots of staff on dishing out plates and plates of fry ups. Always smiling and happy to help. Place even when packed out still manages to stay clean and looked after with staff permanently clean in between diners. For £3-50 for a 5 piece fry up and a drink it’s hard to beat

popped in for lunch purely because it was the most inviting looking cafe on the street

I loved this Cafe. Amazing. Good food, great atmosphere and excellent, friendly staff. I definitely recommend this place

Lovelt clean friendly cafe food was lovely and well priced we were passong thr2but next time out that direction definitely making a point of stopping

Have breakfast here about once a week. Always marvellous, and we are not easy to please!!! Ask for well cooked bacon and soft fried eggs always delivered. Staff amazing!!!

This café seriously doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. The food didn't seem cooked that well, the staff don't have an ounce of friendliness on them. Prices are a bit steep for what you are receiving. The drinks aren't even served in cups instead these jar type things. This café is not disabled friendly especially when the only toilets that I noticed were upstairs with no lift access. I don't think I would return.

Good value Breakfast with great staff especially Agnes, feel sorry for those girls having to climb the stairs to serve breakfasts . Dumb water needed

El personal es encantador, se desvivieron para nosotros baje exactamente lo que queríamos, muy limpio, la comida deliciosa a un precio razonable. Sin duda volveremos.

Llamado para el desayuno, aquí en un lugar concurrido, pero tienen extra arriba asientos, rápidamente nos sentamos, tomamos un desayuno encantador, tuve tortitas de huevo, salchichas y bacon, y pedí que me dieron de jarabe de arce, mi marido tenía un guiso. Vinieron rápidamente y...

Llamado a la hora del almuerzo para café aquí y me decepcionó mucho que no había alternativas de leche. Yo soy incapaz de tomar completa de grasas de la leche y me dijo la camarera que esta era la única opción, no desnatada o semi...

Después de ser recomendado para probar Gwens llamamos hoy para el almuerzo. No nos decepcionó. El café estaba muy limpio y ordenado. El personal era muy eficiente y amable. Y la comida era fabulosa. Gran descubrimiento para nuestras excursiones de un día de compras en Ballymena. Sin duda volveremos.

Excellent reasonably priced food and friendly staff. Good varied menu with "Chef Specials" every day. Very busy at lunch times and on Saturday mornings.

I had a 7 piece fry and tea for breakfast. Items sizes were good, perfectly cooked, clean and tasty. Gwen jereself served me and is a lovely lady with Great staff and nice restaurant

Been a while since I was last here but the fry that myself and hubby had was lovely. Coffee good. Place has great atmosphere. Staff hard working and friendly. Will Def be back.

My husband and I were in ballymena on Tuesday 25th October and wanted to have some lunch so we went into your cafe this was my first visit we were served by a very helpful and friendly young lady I ordered a ham salad sandwich while my husband had a toastie when my sandwich was brought to me by a different member of staff to the young lady who took our order it was ham and raw white onion I called the young lady who took the order and said this was not what I had ordered she said I am really sorry and she went to the kitchen to sort it out She came back to the table to inform me that she was told I could have the salad on a side plate if I wanted she said she was really sorry about this If I had wanted a salad on a plate that's what I would have ordered I then asked her if she had a comment card that I could fill in which I did fill up before my husband went up to pay the bill What I would say about my whole experience in Gwen cafe is I most certainly will not be back and not be recommending to any friends or family as the situation could have very quickly been put right by allowing the young lady who service I must say was excellent pity she doesn't own the cafe by allowing her to get me the ham salad sandwich I had ordered very disappointed in my first and last visit to Gwen cafe

I got the speciality wrap and OMG it was beautiful. I'm from the Belfast and would happily drive to Ballymena to get this wrap! Very friendly service except for the woman talking payment but sure what can you do. I would recommend this place!

Another fantastic breakfast with family. Fast friendly service and excellent food. Brilliant!! Top quality as usual.

Well here's another honest review of this Cafe, this Wee place just isn't a cafe it's one big happy family, the staff are amazing here.. And the food is delicious and that homemade feeling, they are all so lovely, you'll definitely go back here once you've been here, but don't take my word for it, try it and see for yourself 10/10 !

I called in on Tuesday to grab a sandwich to take out. I asked for a brown bread sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato,coleslaw and spring onions. I was charged £5.25 for it and when I queried the price was told it was the same price to eat in or take out.Needless to say I will not be returning to eat in or take out again!

Called in for breakfast was surprised when I ordered porridge as it usually comes in a small dish ,the helping were good,and the prices very good,we usually eat there twice a week the service is quick and the staff perfect.

The best place in Ballymena for breakfast, food excellent so are the staff, cafe very clean and tidy,toilet all so clean and tidy.We must be in for breakfast at least twice a week or three times.The price is good for the breakfast.

23 hungry travellers fed and watered on our way to a local event (having pre-warned staff earlier that week, menus were promptly E-mailed to us to aid preparation). Excellent food and service made for a most rewarding experience. Thanks again to Gwen and her team.

Popped in to get a late cooked breakfast. Greeted with a friendly smile. Immediately shown to a table for 2. Clean and bright decor. Menus handed out , order given and delivered within 10 minutes. Delicious fry up served with a smile.Highly recommended!

i came in for a late breakfast and I cannot describe how good my experience was. Not only was the food delectable and prepared in great time, the atmosphere in the place was so cheerful, with the staff engaging in conversation while serving everyone. Overall, I would definitely recommend this beautiful little cafe for use

Called into this cafe for breakfast with my friends before a day trip very tasty food and staff were very helpful and pleasant will definitely visit again

My title of this review just highlights some of the issues that arose here, I was here with my elderly mother and the young staff member had no respect for her elders, She treated us like we were peasants. The food was bob standard and it went cold quickly. My mother was also upset by the experience.

I have eaten here on numerous occasions, from breakfast to dinner they also serve an assortment of snacks and they do lunch specials. The staff are very friendly and the decor is modern and fresh.

Love this place always clean tidy staff very pleasant chef is happy chap Mr Cubbit keep up the good work

On a trip to Ballymena, I stopped in this café as the food people were getting looked good. It took staff thirty minutes to even ask me what I wanted to eat, When I got my food it was overcooked, the coffee didn't taste right and the table wasn't the cleanest. I do not believe I would return.

Been to this cafe three times for Christmas dinner. Excellent fare, very friendly and efficient staff and exceptionally clean premises. Oh, and the prices are very light on the wallet. This place is way better than many other, over-rated establishments, including some three and even four star hotels that we have frequented. Any time we will be up in Ballymena, we WILL visit Gwens cafe to work our way through their menu, which offers plenty of choice.

I have visited this cafe a few times for breakfast. Upon entering we were greeted by friendly staff who immediately took us to a table and took our order. The food arrived shortly afterwards and was mouth-watering. Couldn't believe the price, so reasonable. Top service, food and cleanliness.

Had a lovely Christmas dinner on Friday it was absolutely gorgeous its very clean and staff very pleasant can I just wish everyone happy Christmas and happy new year

Absolutely fabulous restaurant, saturday morning fry up is delish & the service, what can I say, it's better than most hotels for service cleanliness friendliness, the list is endless, it would deserve an award for all round welcome. Give this place a go & you will not be disappointed. Oh & by the way great if you're on a budget cos prices are super cheap.

Its unusual for a small establishment like this to have so many staff on hand but the result is wonderful, friendly service, they even had a young lady to open and close the entrance door.We only called in for a snack and whilst the turkey dinners that others seemed to be enjoying and, at a very reasonable price, looked good, our scones were a big disappointment. Lacking in fruit, vey firm texture and pretty tasteless. I imagine these items are brought in rather than produced on the premises. If so they need to change their provider. Wanted to give these lovely people 5 stars but you can only reward the level of food that you have experienced.

They do a cracking breakfast for £ 2.75 it's bees knees & Fresh coffee lovely .you won't be disappointed.

Absolutely lovely the inside is very cosey nd retro the staff is so friendly and happy to help the food was quick on coming and the quality of food is top notch really yummy

there always busy in here but i have never had to queue for a table seats are comfy and clean tables staff are friendly the jam jar glasses are a great quirky touch

I hate queues and have rarely queued for a meal. Getting a seat in Gwens is worth waiting for. High scores for quality of food, service, prices, cleanliness, ambiance etc.

Come here on a regular basis cafe always spotless always cleaning proper. Also the staff always cheerful.The food is great also

I can not understand one of the reviews, every time my wife and I go in for breakfast or lunch the staff are very good and quick. Lest face it every one as o Waite a min or two before you get your meal, with so Meany things going on. The breakfast and afternoon meal, or soup excellent. We would recommend Gwen's café to any one. A very good result in the towns café comp. We like you.

Hi all,my fiancé and I have just eaten here for the second time in the last couple of months,originally we came upon it randomly and decided to give it a go,we were truly taken back,the staff were so lovely and obviously quite happy cleaning away inbetween customer service,the food was absolutely lovely,couldn't have been nicer,service second to none and amazing value for money,and last but by no means least is the beautiful relaxing yet fresh decor,looking around at the other customers,I could not help but notice the varying age groups,this wee cafe is a must for All ages! I shall return ASAP!

Beautiful very clean and tidy staff pleasant as always love this place chef excellent you don't have to wait ages for your food and is nice and warm

This is probably one of the cleanest cafe/restaurants I've ever been in, the staff are constantly cleaning. The food didn't disappoint I had the super fry and I have to say it was super and very reasonably priced too. I will definitely be returning here next time I'm in Ballymena.

Stopped here when having a shopping day in Ballymena. I was sitting for nearly fifteen minutes before someone brought me a menu. When the waitress brought the food she just slammed it on the table. The café is chaotic and the tables could be cleaner. The food could be warmer. Do not think I'll ever return.

Great regular clients as most customers were greated by name.Fast service, tea brought beforehand and meal shortly afterward.Beautifully presented and taste to match.

I took my son here for breakfast as he had been before with his aunt..since then he was torturing me to take him..breakfast was yummy..staff friendly...very cheap...its was very busy but service was still excellent!! Highly recommended!! Will Def call again with my son before he goes back to school in September :))

Hi, as the cafe we did go to as closed down,we have found your cafe that is the best,you have one of the old cafe staff with you now and she is a good cook.She look after me and my wife the best,so did all the other staff. Ask her for a hot plate and she give you one as I like my food on a hot one,I look at it this way why put hot food on a cold one.Hope to keep visiting from now on.

We went here last week because Nobels was closed and we were very glad we did. Although if you need to be in and out in 15 minutes Nobels still works Gwen's is a bit more slow paced, relaxed and comfortable but still amazingly fast, friendly service. We were back today for the second time in a week, I know two frys in a week - not good but the food is not greasy and the portions just enough so you don't feel sickly or too full afterwards. The soda bread is huge and different from the norm but delicious. We will be back.

Just had another brilliant breakfast. Reasonable prices and excellent food. Very tasty and very happy. Will be back very soon!

Brilliant love this place staff very friendly and it is clean and tidy chef is great to would recommend it to anyone keep up the good work

This cafe used to be fabulous. The staff were friendly but alas now the staff aren't friendly anymore. On my last visit in May the staff told me I had to be quick at picking what I want from the menu and be quick at eating due to them having plenty of customers awaiting seating. The cafés wifi messed up my phone. The food was bob standard and not the way it normally is. It is sad that this cafe went down hill.

If you ever want a great fry gwens is your place! Staff are friendly couldn't do enough for you.. Never have to wait to long on your food have ate in here loads and never had a bad meal yet.

Went to gwens today for the second time this week, the staff are friendly and welcoming, the food is quick and the best about, the decor is so pretty and has a relaxed feeling, also very cheap esp for the amount of food i received. I Will defo be back

The best place in Ballymena for a fry! The new decor is amazing, so welcoming, relaxing and great staff, food and service! been coming in for years and I've never been disappointed.

Visited Gwen's Cafe yesterday for lunch. It's all newly refurbished and is so bright..very comfortable seats...excellent food....great service. Congratulations to Gwen and her staff...brilliant place to eat and value for money

Was here with three mates who live in ballymena. The experience here isn't very good. The staff don't know where half of the food comes from (like if it is locally sourced). The food I received didn't taste good. The toilets could be better. Won't be back any time soon.

Really like this cafe. Would be in it regularly for breakfasts and lunches. Love the food and the staff are so friendly. Highly recommend.

Regularly visit here with friends and family. Staff are friendly, polite and the food is excellent. The speciality burger - a 6oz burger with mozzarella and scallion, topped with sauteed onions and mayo is just delicious!

Had fab fish in here today, hate batter and staff cooked fish on hot plate. Served with garden peas brown bread tartar sauce side salad and chips. Washed down with black Tea with Jug of cold water not milk as requested, you won't believe how many places send milk when you ask for black Tea. Cold water a real bonus as everything arrived piping hot and presented beautifully.Have eaten here many times and hope to return again soon.Looking forward to see the new fit out which was well underway.Thanks everyone who made an everyday lunch Special!!!

Great food,friendly service,relaxing atmosphere,good value for money,always have a great chat with members of staff couldn't recommend it enough ...looking forward to next visit

Never had an occasion to find fault with this cafe. Welcoming, friendly, good wholesome food and well presented, efficient and attentive service and relaxing surroundings. Excellent value.

We stopped in last Saturday for breakfast, had a great experience, the food was great. A lovely girl with dark hair and a fringe serviced us, she was very polite and helpful. We'll definitely be back!!

Was here in middle of March. I stopped here around lunch and had the all day fry. I didn't find it enjoyable because I felt like I was being rushed because the cafe was busy. Haven't been in since when in Ballymena.

I call into this cafe regularly with my family for my usual all day breakfast , and would recommend it to anyone. Last week I took a client from Scotland in for lunch, and he couldn't praise the food and staff enough , so much so , he has asked me to take him again when he's over in April. Thanks girls ! ( but he's paying next time )

here is a café that used to have that a homely feel but now they don't seem to care about their customers and don't take the time to let you order they just rush you. the teas used to be good. they hardly make a full cup now. tables could be cleaner.

Enjoy every time I go in staff very well mannered always smiling clean and tidy worth the price to and dinners are great value as well

Went in with friends and had a delicious wrap and fantastic well mannered staff. Have since went back with my girlfriend who agrees with me.

was here recently with family, we all received undercooked food and the staff memebers didnt care they just said "if our cook thinks its cooked that means it's cooked" we still had to pay for our food. my best advice to anyone going here is to go to another of the nearby cafes

I always enjoyed the fry here but the last few times iv been in the whole fry has looked like it's been deep fried.iv never found the staff to be friendly (maybe my face just doesn't fit) although they are extremely efficient.think its time to try somewhere else!

Great food, terrific staff who are always extremely polite and helpful. The chef Allister is a lovely guy who always greets us with a smile and a bit of chat. Keep up the good work guys :)

Excellent service. Can't believe I haven't been in before. Affordable, quick and delicious food and coffee. Staff were on the ball and knew all the specials. Brilliant! Will definitely be back. Can't recommend Gwen's enough.

excellent clean café love this place and great speedy service would highly recommend here to anyone. great value for money and the food is always cooked to perfection. The staff are really friendly and helpful I am always greeted at the door with friendly smiles. thanks guys!

Friendly and efficient staff. The service was brilliant! The food was outstanding. I would highly recommend Gwen's. I will certainly be eating here again! Thank you to all the team.!!

Love going in here in the morning with my son. (Age 4) he loves goin here. The food is good an the staff are polite.They also tell you what you are better going for when it comes to young kids that's picky eaters or small eaters rather than buying food and not all going to be ate or not wanted. They also ask if you enjoy your meal and as you leave they say have a nice day. Personally I think it's nice an friendly especially towards elderly people that's regulars as some live on their own so that would brighten up their day