Jacksons in Newtownabbey

Fantastic butchers, producing great meat. I was given fantastic service by Jason who made sure to get me some brilliant cuts for the week ahead with my grandfather.

*BE WARNED, I WAS TURNED AWAY AT JACKSONS CAFE* My teenage daughter having been extremely upset at school, I arranged to meet her and my other daughter off the school bus and take them both to Jacksons Cafe for a light dinner. I was aware last orders were at 4.15pm. Due to traffic I arrived at 4.16pm. The cafe had 2 customers (an empty cafe) and on my way in I also noticed one of the waiting staff leaving for the day. The owner looked at us and made a point of looking at the clock and then back at us. I explained we were there for something light such as a baked potato but if too late I would have to go the butchery. She replied 'if you could'. She then watched us leave without giving a single damn. Complete coldness. My daughter returned to the car, eyes filled with tears. All I can say, Jackson's cafe, there must not be any recession in your household if you turn away customers whenever you feel like it. Kindness and being a nice human is free and for any business owner word of mouth travels fast. Customers are at the heart of any business so before you turn anyone away think twice as who knows what kind of day they have had as opposed to you trying to get home early. My own money is hard earned and thus valued, I will never return to Jackson's cafe. I will further post reviews on Nextdoor app & Belfast Telegraph to warn others of my experience.

My wife and I visit the coffee shop and butchery regularly and find the quality of service and food very good. We appreciate the way the staff deal with us, always polite and helpful and particularly Adrianne in the butchers. She is very helpful with advice on which cuts of meat to select and provides tip on preparation and cooking. Whilst all the staff are helpful we will find ourselves waiting in the queue longer just to get Adrianne as we like her craic and friendly demeanour. Excellent.

I ordered a turkey crown before Christmas for our new year dinner but when I went to collect it on Saturday 30 Dec 23 it was not a turkey crown but a boneless breast of turkey. I was told I should have asked for a turkey with legs and thighs removed to leave the turkey crown but the person who took my order before Christmas did not say it would be boneless. As there was no way I could stuff it and as there was no carcass to give it flavour I used some on the 30th and 31st Dec but it was like eating cotton wool as there was nothing there to give it flavour I have had to through all of the rest out as there was no way we could eat it. So the moral is if you want a turkey crown you will need to take in a picture which you can get on any of the cooking sites and explain as below A turkey crown is the breast of the bird still attached to the bone, with the legs and wings removed. Disappointed new year customer Hazel

Outstanding - yesterday I had the best fry I’ve had in the past 18 months since my last trip to Jacksons. This is my go to spot with my family (probably twice weekly) when I’m here from Sydney (usually annually). Lovely, warm-hearted service from all staff, quality, delicious food served hot and not swimming in oil/grease. My “always” option. Looking forward to all of my visits over the coming weeks.

We eat out for lunch quite frequently and decided to try Jacksons coffee shop at ballynure. We sat upstairs and the waitress who took our order was really friendly and efficient. However, it all went down hill from then on. Having placed our order and waiting for our food, suddenly a cook appeared and shouted loudly "we have no lasagne you may pick something else". She didn't apologise or offer a menu to look at so I just said I'd have the chicken stack. An apology would have been more appropriate but we decided they were very busy and didn't let it bother us. The food arrived quickly but we both were disappointed. My chicken was quite greasy and the portion was tiny. My husband had soup and a sandwich which he said wasn't very tasty. Overall, I would say it was overpriced for what we got and the standard of food was quite poor. I wouldn't recommend and definitely won't be back again.

We’ve been meaning to visit Jackson’s for a long time, but somehow never got around to it. We’d heard great things about their produce, but when somebody gave me a slice of their chicken pie at a kids’ party recently, I wasn’t terribly impressed with the amount of chicken in it – pretty TESCO’s standard really. Then I read some pretty bad reviews here, and wondered about going at all… however, we were mostly pleasantly surprised. A couple of the reviews concerned alleged very poor service – all I can say is that, on the day, we found the waitresses friendly and helpful. I had their own 6oz beefburger, with cheese and bacon, and it was pretty good. I can’t say more than that as I developed a cold with a blocked nose that morning, so couldn’t taste it properly – but what I could taste was promising. As far as my poor nose could tell, the chips were cooked in proper dripping, which makes all the difference – though they could have done with another minute in the fryer. The salad garnish would be greatly improved by the addition of maybe some wee bits of sweet pepper etc – shredded iceberg lettuce and a couple of cherry tomatoes don’t really appeal much. The girlfriend had a ciabatta with fillet steak strips in it – now the trouble with fillet is that it’s very expensive, so I wasn’t expecting to see much of it – and I was right. She liked it though. I suppose really there are two questions when you’ve eaten somewhere – (1) did you enjoy the experience, and (2) will you be back – yes to both.

We first discovered Jackson's butcher ans bakery shop in the mid 80s. We found the produce to be of excellent quality at a very competitive price. Ever since then it has become our number one butcher's shop. Over the course of an average month our purchases come to around £240. A couple of years ago we visited the cafe and were pleased to discover that the quality of the items on the menu matched the standard we had come to expect in the main shop. My wife, daughter and I had breakfast at least once a month and always found the food, surrounding ls and service to be of a very high standard. Earlier this year my dear wife passed away and I found myself carrying out many of our domestic duties alone. I still shopped for my meat at Jacksons and tentatively ventured into the cafe alone. Although I'd been in many shops, this was my first breakfast alone on a cafe. I waited at the door as directed by the signage. A waitress approached and asked if she could help me? I responded politely that I was looking for breakfast for one and she told me I might have to wait. That was grand as I'm quite patient. After a short wait of 20 minutes Iwas directed to the upstairs dining area and told the number of the table I was allocated. I sat down and noticed the waitress was having a jovial personal conversation witha middle aged couple at the adjacent table. I couldn't help but think that all three were glancing at me in a manner I can't explain, but I put it down to my imagination. After around 15 minutes of listening to them exchange anecdotal tales of their domestic lives, the waitress addressed me. "Ah, at last I thought". She asked if I was waiting on someone and could she help me? I responded in a similar manner as I had with her colleague at the door, and told her I was there for breakfast, alone. She told me she would get a menu and at least we were moving forward. The food was of a more than acceptable standard. Two weeks later I visited again and had a very similar experience to the one I've just described. At home I mentioned it to my daughter and she suggested that it might have been a slight exaggeration on my part. She harpenden back to the many enjoyable visits we had made to Jackson's with mum. I put my thoughts aside as the food more than balanced out the service. Today, four weeks after my last visit, I decided to give the cafe another chance. After all, I was going to the butcher's next door and the food is never disappointing. I can only say that all my fears were realised. There a couple and a party of four waiting in front of me. I immediately understood there might be a short wait. As before I was approached by a waitress and asked if she could help and was I waiting on others? When I told her I was alone, her expression changed and she informed me thst I might have to wait for quite a while. I accepted this and was directed to a comfortable little bench to wait. Other would be diners joined the queue behind me. After a little while another waitress began handing out menus to those waiting. I understood this would save time but was a little bewildered that I was omitted from receiving a menu. I should add that the cafe features 2 and 4 seater tables and a long communal bench. Diners were finishing and leaving and I was soon next in line. A table for two became available and to my dismay, the couple behind me were offered to sit there. Ah, just a mistake I thought. When another table became free I was about to be ignored again but the couple being offered to sit down pointed me out to the waitress. The waitress asked yet again if I was waiting on anyone? I again told her I was alone and patiently waiting to be seated. To my relief, and thanks to the courtesy of the couple behind me, I was seated. Hurrah. My lunch was really tasty and I enjoyed ever last forceful, but I've finally accepted that solo diners don't appear tobe welcome in Jackson's cafe. I don't know whether it's management policy or down to individual waiting staff, but I have no doubt that this is a cold house if you are alone. Although I've been a loyal customer of the butcher's shop and bakery for around 40 years now, I've decided to search out another meat purveyor in future. I'm extremely disappointed that I was treated in such an offhand manner. Single diners deserve the same level of service as families and couples. I'm sure another cafe will be glad of my patronage.

Went for a Saturday morning breakfast. The place was quite full but we were seated quickly and our order was taken quickly. We then waited for about 30 mins for our food, which was ok, then they had no cutlery so we had to wait for some to be washed. The girls serving were lovely but maybe some of them need to be in the kitchen rather then milling about waiting for the kitchen to catch-up.

Tasty food at the right price. Friendly staff. Toilet was not cleaned. Floor wet and toilet seat very wet on both sides

Heard great reviews from friends about this coffee shop so had to try it. Had breakfast and cannot fault. I ordered Egg benedict and it was superb. My husband enjoyed the Jackson fry...very good. Friendly waitress and the premises are immaculately clean. We sat upstairs and there weres doors open to an outside eating area, for those wanting to enjoy the sun. Lovely experience. On reviewing the selection of lunches on the menu we will be back again. Highly recommend.

Having been a very longstanding customer of the butchery and bakery departments of Jackson’s over many years, a friend & I decided to give the coffee shop a try whilst we were there. To say it was an extremely disappointing experience does not adequately describe just how bad it was! The staff seem to have this attitude whereby they think they are doing you a huge favour by deigning to serve you & we were made to feel like we were a huge inconvenience to them. It was absolutely mortifying and the owner really needs to instil within his staff the importance of customer service and trying to retain customer loyalty and goodwill. My friend & I agreed that it felt as though if you’re not a part of the ‘club’ that the staff seemed to know very well & made a lot more effort with than the rest of us that your custom (& money you’ve spent!) counts for nothing to them. I have noticed a big decline in the butchery/bakery shop as well over the past few years as it used to be a much more welcoming place & they need to be careful as people like us will soon vote with their feet and go elsewhere.

Staff are very friendly and pleasant. Nice friendly atmosphere. Food was good and lovely decor. Nice wee local pictures on the wall and the staff have friendly banter with the locals , that’s nice to see.

Service appeared to be good for everyone else but we were ignored for some strange reason. Food was good when we ordered from the till area but left confused as to what we did wrong…

Very helpful and kind staff, Deborah and Leanne were especially accommodating while we hiked the Ulster way.

The cottage pie was reheated in a microwave oven, not only that but was obviously reheated far too long as the top was squashed and stodgy whereas the bottom was burnt rock hard in places. My wife’s sausage & mash didn’t fair much better as...

Great coffee and sublime scones, no problem with supplying my wife with Oat milk at no extra cost, unlike cafe Nero who charge an extra 40p. The only bother was both fires were out lot and the radiators were off and here we are in...

My husband and I have recently started to go to Jackson's...it has now become our regular go to café. We love the surroundings, decor wise, and the staff are the friendliest we have ever come across. Whoever does the hiring has very much got it...

The cafe was fairly busy as most Saturday’s are and I ordered the apple and cinnamon pancake stack with bacon as I had done the week before. This week the bacon was streaky and not back bacon and was 90% fat which I wouldn’t eat...

Visited for breakfast this morning and have to say it was delicious. Beautiful soft fried breads and great quality meat products. The breakfast included everything you could want and the service was very attentive. My first visit but definitely not my last.

Went for brunch with a few of my friends, also mentioned in chit chat that it was one of their birthdays. Food was lovely, very reasonably priced and fresh. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Happy birthday music started blasting shortly after we had finished-much...

During the Governments recent successful "Eat Out To Help Out" Scheme for helping out the Hospitality sector I went to the Jackson's cafe in Ballynure village near Ballyclare town. The food was delightful and the club sandwich was very filling with great local produce being...

Big changes in staff over the last couple of years, they say the family is hard to work for. Customer services are getting worse, except for a few staff. Nobody seems happy to be working there, even some of the family. I thought we would...

Have been a customer for years but incredibly disappointed with the products and service. Unhelpful man behind the counter handed me my bag with the sides ripped. I said to him that I would like a new bag as that one was ripped. His response...

Really love Jackson’s in Ballynure so heard it had cafe YES what a disappointment customer service terrible left standing waiting on table staff kept walking past us eventually got seated by one member of staff who never came back by this stage half an hour...

Have eaten here a number of times since it opened and have always been impressed. The menu is extensive enough to ensure there is something for everyone. The quality of the food has been consistently good. We have encountered a number of different staff, all...

Lovely warm and friendly coffee shop with good menu. Food was yummy, fresh and a good price. Staff were friendly and helpful. Decor modern and clean with nice ambience. Great to then go next door and buy nice food.

My family use this establishment often. The bakery is always beautifully fresh, the quantity of the butcher's is second to none and the coffee shop provide a tasty menu. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. My family wouldn't go anywhere else ♥️

I have been using this establishment since early 2000, I have found this Butchers to be excellent and the quality of the meats is outstanding, I have always been met with knowledgeable staff who go that extra mile to help with selecting cuts of meat,...

Three of us called in here for lunch on a saturday. 1 person ordered cottage pie/salad, 1 quiche/salad/chips and 1 healthy breakfast. After a wait of over 1/2hr cottage pie arrived along with chips{which were ordered with the quiche} everything ate and still no sign...

WE as a family have been going to Jackson's Butchers for over 15 years, they recently added a cafe to their premises which is quite good. The food is good and the fresh baked goods are excellent. However the quality of the Butchery end of...