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3.5

Based on 153 opinions finded in 1 websites

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Nº 65 in 71 in Shetland Islands

Nº 21 of 22 Other cuisines in Shetland Islands

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..coffeesandwichsoupcakebacon
Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor1533.5

comment_iconOpinions

Mareel is brilliant, the young staff are so friendly and welcoming, we have been twice during our week long stay on Shetland mainland. The free wifi was the draw the first time. lots of quiet work spaces available and good wifi. I worked in the cafe on my second visit. My decaf (not always available in small venues) latte was topped with a gorgeous fluffy cloud of steamed milk. The wraps from the fridge (I chose bacon& egg) were stuffed full of filling too, a really nice change from the supermarket options that have hardly any filling once you get past the first mouthful. I thought the price was good too. The seating in the cafe was great, a mix of tables chairs and comfy sofas. I didn't try any cakes but they looked grand and I overheard a conversation saying they were freshly baked during the week

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Lin W . 2024-09-12

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Unlike it’s neighbour the museum this is a warm and welcoming place, arts centre with a lovely cafe. No booking needed !!

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MartinJones9876 . 2023-06-21

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Went here on the last day of our holiday shortly before boarding the ferry back to Aberdeen. Enjoyed a delicious cappuccino, and a good sized slice of possibly the most delicious cake I've had in quite a while (it was a coffee cake) - all the other cakes and food options looked equally good too. We sat by the window which had wonderful views over the harbour - definitely a recommendation.

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Morag R . 2023-06-10

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This busy cultural hub really is a very flexible venue. It hosts post show parties, it acts as a local pub, it is a great little café and, for us, it was a brilliant place to have a cup of tea and a cake in the hour or so before we checked in for our ferry trip home. Great view of the busy harbour too!

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JJfromtheEast . 2023-05-10

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Surprisingly poor service for such an impressive venue. Having ordered soup nobody came to tell us they were out of this. They did offer an alternative but the time delay meant that my partner and I ate at different times and had to spend much longer inthe cafe than was good for us, or for that matter for them in terms of table turnover The staff all looked inexperienced and there was no one clearly in control. This venue and its customers deserve a better standard of service. The food was fine - when it finally arrived

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Elaine B . 2023-04-25

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Love this place. Staff consistently courteous and welcoming. Coffee is excellent. Views sublime. Staff engage with customers with hellos and goodbyes and this (by me, at least) is much appreciated.

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Peter Dobbing . 2022-11-23

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Lovely view of the choppy grey seas. Nice selection of herbal teas and soft drinks. Quite & peaceful atmosphere.

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AllisonP1976 . 2020-10-03

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Came for food, the food wasn’t very appetising, don’t want a Quiche in February or a bacon roll at 2pm...cafe bar is misleading. Ordered a coffee and proceeded to wait 20 minutes before giving up. Apparently happens all the time. Saw some food come out..glad I decided against ordering, how hard is it to make a bloody sandwich? Customer behind me recommended the Peerie shop..we went there and were not disappointed. Avoid

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AdelaideMade . 2020-02-28

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Arrived at the counter with 4 staff but only one was serving. No I’ll be with you in a minute or acknowledgment I was there. Other staff ignored me and the people behind me. I asked for a special tea, And a pastry to take to the cinema. She put the pastry on a plate then handed it to me, I looked at it and said it’s to take to the cinema. She had no clue what I meant, I said your not allowed glass in a auditorium then she didn’t know what to do next and neither did the person who was trying to train her. Not her fault, so I told her to rap it up in a napkin. The tea took ages and was cold, watery and not what I’ve got from other cafes under that name. disappointing but not surprised realy

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fraserc523 . 2020-02-22

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Came in for a pint and some food on a Sunday, online menu showing Sandwiches etc..instead there was only some sort of lentil stew with a poxy pitta bread. Staff were a bit snooty, kid with tatts and scruffy hair that clearly thought I was some chav. Staff at the front desk were lovely. Bar looked really nice, shame about the service.

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Higgyfromleeds . 2020-02-15

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First time in shetland so popped in for a drink, all was good, but was a little busy had to wander around to find a table, high messanine with more seating but noise was echoing round but hey, Nice sunny evening what more could you expect

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djstarman . 2019-12-27

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Nice place to relax and have a coffee or even a glass of wine. Interesting looking cakes and pastries - not that I indulged myself. They could do with additional staff when there is a concert on - queues were far too long.

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DavidDundonald . 2019-11-17

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Just called in for a quick coffee and a bit to eat on a Sunday morning. Breakfast board on display advertising hot rolls etc so ordered two. Was told that they couldn't do hot food as they were short staffed so I suggested they might think about taking the board down. While waiting for my bill 3 bacon rolls appeared on a tray. I said that I wasn't impressed and the guy making the coffee said that he was the only one able to do it and they were too busy. I will not be raving about this place that's for sure. If you know you're going to be busy employ enough staff to deliver what you advertise.

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536margareth . 2019-11-17

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We really liked this cafe and stopped off a few times while staying in Lerwick. Relaxed place where you could have a beer, gin and tonic or a cup of tea and hot chocolate. Friendly staff too.

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Sportypants . 2019-08-18

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A nice cafe in the arts centre Good place for coffee or a snack Reasonable prices Convenient if going to a film at the arts centre

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Albia-Newton . 2019-05-23

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Best hot chocolate we have tasted in a long time. Friendly staff and premises clean. Can't fault this place.

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PipP552 . 2019-05-10

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Lovely bar but no food available on Saturday evening. Real shame as would have loved eaten before Concert .

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Evansbrowning . 2019-05-05

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During our stay on Shetland we visited the Cafe twice. It is really nice - even if you don't want to go to the movies. Nice harbour view, good service. Thumbs up!

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Rolf L . 2019-04-19

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I'd give this place four stars no bother were it not for the architecture: this is another of these places in Scotland where the architect has demonstrated a complete lack of vision, if you excuse the pun. There are some good seats downstairs, with good views, but the opportunities for fabulous views have been completed lost, especially upstairs which is dark and uninviting, with only one place to sit and look out to the sea and the harbour. Crazy. However, if you are coming to the cinema in the evening, make sure you call in here for a drink. It's a great wee venue, with pleasant staff.

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kayakbuoy . 2019-01-26

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Had a great cuppa here as I had couple of hours to kill before flight from Sumburgh aerodrome. Good place found on the recommendation of chauffeur. Staffs seemed a tad too unwilling to give their best to this well lit place. View out to bay would be wicked come summer.

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Khonsu . 2018-11-27

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A lovely place for lunch. Not advertised as a cafe so was a surprise to find it. Food simple but hearty. Staff friendly.

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426Elisabeth . 2018-11-25

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Friendly service, lovely burgers. Bit like sitting in a corridor but for a venue the food was good and service very efficient. Would recommend.

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397pamela . 2018-09-08

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Nice place - seems to be the 'in' place in Lerwick. Good food and friendly staff, pleasant surroundings.

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Andrew W . 2018-09-01

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Unpretentious. very busy. nice brownies. attentive / helpful staff just what you need when you want a good Latte and a wee bite in a hurry.

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60-degreese-North . 2018-08-26

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If all you want is a strong drink or a cup of coffee, go ahead, but don't rely on the Mareel bar for so much as a plate of bread and olives. It just doesn't try for nice food. I don't know why. The decor is lovely and the view over the old harbour is perfect. It's a great place to meet for a chat. They also have good wifi. The young staff are nice and make an effort even if they're not experienced catering types.

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grainnemhaol . 2018-08-17

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We rang ahead to book space for a group of 8 and the staff couldn’t have been kinder. Food is a limited menu but all tasty and the atmosphere is fantastic.

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TKH67 . 2018-07-31

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Nice place to have a very good capuccino . In the evening you can have burgers, meat and/or vegan. Very friendly staff.

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biesjeb62 . 2018-07-19

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nice to have a coffee if waiting to see the latest movies as the cinema is part of the establishment or you could have a drink while waiting

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Lillibit47 . 2018-07-16

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We visited here whilst in Shetland for 2 weeks during the Folk Festival. Mareel was the best and gave you the opportunity to see all live folk bands. The centre is very modern, spacious and clean. It is definitely the kind of place Shetland needs. We didn’t get to eat here as the day we wanted to go for lunch here they were relaying the flooring so, we couldn’t but on the night of the festival it was great and staff were very friendly.

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Secret1987 . 2018-06-18

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I can’t believe that I found the best coffee here in Shetland! Mareel’s cafe latte is very tasty, and I also appreciate the good service provided by the barista! Another plus point is the sight, having coffee with an island and sea view is an unbeatable experience!

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Yunita S . 2018-06-10

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Had drinks only. The rose was very sweet but we enjoyed our drinks! Limited menu for dining but good for snacks. Very friendly and comfortable seating

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CaitUK . 2018-05-21

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The location by the harbour is good and the food and hot drinks are good. Also it’s one of the places open in Lerwick on a Sunday!

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Ullans . 2018-04-27

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This was one of the few places open the day after Up Helly Aa and we enjoyed an enjoyable lunch (freshly made sandwiches) and some coffee drinks. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful!

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Lenaj821 . 2018-02-15

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O K so the offerings were limited but the bread in the sandwich was not yesterdays probably last weeks. If there were ducks in the harbour ( and I know you shouldn't feed bread to ducks ) they would have dented their bills on it.

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Graham S . 2018-02-13

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This bar became the drinks/snacks/meeting place during my week in Shetland. there is a nice variety of food and drink. the view is lovely. I cannot imagine a friendlier place to meet friends.

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Woolite-13 . 2017-12-01

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We went to see a lecture from a climber this time but I've previously been to see bands here and I'm never disappointed, what a cracking venue ! I was worried about the bar que when I arrived but It died down quickly , and...

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kenjoalejandro . 2017-11-17

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Perfect for lounging on big sofas with huge chai latte. Really enjoyed spending some time in this laid back environment. Didn't eat but the simple menu looked good, with few meals and snacking. Did have their delicious cakes. Nice views into the harbour. Friendly young...

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Sonmi-451 . 2017-10-22

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Popped in with friends for a couple of beers. It was nicely done out & the staff were lovely. We'll certainly be back next time we visit Lerwick

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Steven W . 2017-09-13

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Visited on own and asked for menu/price list. Was told very abruptly they didn't have one because it was Screenplay. Replied it was a legal requirement. (Licensing Act 2003). Again a very short clipped answer and did I want to see manager? Again Mareel disappoints with poor attitude and lack of care regarding law (how long did it take for them to cover cakes which were on display? Folks leaning over them, sneezing etc near them?)

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Gwynneth H . 2017-09-03

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This cafe is situated in a lovely space with stunning views overlooking the sea at Lerwick. The coffee and cakes are great, the staff lovely if a bit slow. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The furniture needs a lot more TLC as many of the seats and tables are showing signs of wear and are badly in need of replacement. However a great place to go on a rainy day. With free Wi-Fi it's a great place to check the emails or do some computer work. Well worth a visit

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LightupYourWorld . 2017-08-31

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The building is really nice, the high ceilings and glass cladding, fill the entire space with light.

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Ontheroad1971 . 2017-08-19

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Far to slow. Nice area of the building, flooring in very poor state, looks mankie but it just needs revarnashed. I'm never that impressed tbh. Staff are always polite when you speak to them. Poor uniforms if they actually bother to put them on

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Fraser C . 2017-08-11

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Really interesting space with room for small or large parties to hang out without feeling crowded. Good choice of drinks. Sadly the food service stops at 8pm so no good for the late crowd coming from work. Nachos very good.

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Helen H . 2017-08-10

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Me paré aquí después de conseguir entradas para conciertos. Era lo suficientemente grande para lidiar con números grandes, pero tenía un negocio. El personal era amable, eficiente y trabajador. Mi sándwiches estaban deliciosos y el té de menta. Si estás en la zona, recomiendo encarecidamente este lugar.

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Jo M . 2017-07-22

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Went to Mareel for an impromptu drink with a friend a couple of weeks ago, looking for some food. Very disappointed in the presentation of the food, would have expected more to be honest. Very little effort gone into the 'homemade' salsa. I have never heard of nachos being served with a burger. I get it's a cafe bar, but it was very poor. Won't be going back for food.

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Kirsty M . 2017-07-20

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Before going to the cinema we popped in here for a coffee and a sandwich. Pleasant staff, food did take a while but like i said it was busy, better than your average cafe and has a really nice atmosphere

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LucyDonaldson . 2017-07-19

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On a pouring wet afternoon this is a great place to chill out with a tea and scone. Far enough from the main street it's not queued out the door and with a great selection of comfy sofas beside windows good place to spend time. Great scone - chai latte was a bit too milky for my taste.

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StEmba . 2017-07-15

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Nice place with tables and coaches to have a relaxed time with some good coffee, tea and a little bite. Good location in Mareel.

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Meijssie . 2017-06-12

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Great place for a light lunch staff friendly and helpful, great location easy to get to ither by car or as we did walking. Within walking distance from local shops and the Museum.

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138Annie . 2017-04-27

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Went for coffee with a friend. It must be the most inefficient service in town, although the coffee is good when it arrives.

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fiddler69 . 2017-04-11

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Nice place for coffee and a chat, nice friendly staff make it even better. Not much variety in the food department but we were only there for a coffee.

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scouser1950 . 2017-02-25

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Me and my friends came into the cafe for a coffee in the afternoon, and received constant stares from a member of staff. We suspect it was purely due to our age, as we are all 16 years old and doing nothing wrong, we weren't being disruptive and we had bought something from the cafe. It felt as if they were searching for a reason to ask us to leave. It really ruined my experience.

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Alex K . 2016-10-30

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since the fresh popcorn has gone, it's good to be able to get something hot and fresh before and after the film, nice food and drink selection.

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Emma W . 2016-09-26

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If you want really good quality food served well stay clear!Coffee ok. place moderately clean, not a lot to recommend it ...except the Cinema

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veggielakelandliving . 2016-09-18

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The Mareel is such a great arts centre, and we love visiting this place.When we needed to meet up with family just before watching a film, we met at the cafe. It's such a great setting on the dock side, with views out onto the sea, light and airy, with a really relaxed atmosphere.The coffee was excellent. I'm really fussy, but it was great, and all six of us had a selection of cakes which were excellent.This is a simple place, well run, and does what it does very well.

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Steve N . 2016-08-28

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Went in for some food today, big blackboard saying food served until 4, but at 3:50 they said we couldn't have anything. Have been before and enjoyed it but if you don't want to serve food at certain times please don't advertise that you do!

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neil b . 2016-07-26

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excelente lugar para probar un buen cafe en un grato ambiente, el lugar cuenta con wifi y hay variedades de cafe para elegir.

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nilsontor . 2016-07-13

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Very impressed, the decor and design was great. Very light and airy, right on the dockside overlooking the water. Lovely, friendly staff. Great food at a great value. Well worth a visit

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Tina T . 2016-06-26

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Var her ved 2 anledninger samme dag, opplevde stedet som uformelt, livlig og hyggelig. Drakk Cappuccino begge gangene og de var veldig gode. Anbefales som et sted å nyte en rolig halv time.

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Trond K . 2016-06-23

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To be fair, this is a café in the local cinema/arts centre. So, you wouldn't expect that much. But, the food exceeds those expectations and is better than some local dedicated restaurants. The service is nice and the view on the ground floor is great. Just give it a try.

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fingerle . 2016-06-21

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We were disappointed at the lack of variety of cakes and dishes on offer, but it was a pleasant place to take a break and have a quick coffee. There are better places to go in Lerwick (eg Peerieshop Café)

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tjsussex . 2016-05-30

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The bar serves a variety of drinks with a nice selections of teas and coffee, they serve draught beer , food at selected times ,nice window views, opening times are late so good place for doing a little work with Free internet access

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wagon0011 . 2016-05-14

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Saturday night and the place to ourselves? where was everyone.They had run out of basic cocktail ingredients ? Asked for a Black russian had a vodka and cola as not got Kahlua or tia maria !Apparently Staffing problems/ordering problems however there is a tescos and a co op down the road.

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Kerry B . 2016-04-12

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The tables at this place aren't normally clean when I come here for a afternoon coffee. The cakes are dry.

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Sarah H . 2016-03-21

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I took my 2 girls here for a quick treat out. Myself and my eldest had a hot chocolate which was delicious but took an eternity to arrive. There were lots of places the 3 of us could sit but none of the tables had been cleared. It wasn't overly busy and there were many staff in and out of the kitchen so I can't see how this could be the case, anyway I proceeded to sit the girls down and clear the table myself. The couple sitting opposite said the mess was not theirs and had been there since they arrived, I noticed a couple of serving staff, serve customers and proceed to return to the kitchen with an empty tray. The drinks were good but the service lets the place down, it looked very messy.

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noodeyn . 2016-02-20

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Lovely building, great outlook, very clean, great friendly service, made to feel very welcome. Very good soup. However points seriously lost on the very poor selection of baking. Clearly the cakes and pastries bought in en masse from the cash and carry and boring bread with the soup. Could be sooooo much better.

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helen s . 2016-02-20

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Went for a film but always like to go for a coffee before it, it was a Sunday the cafe was really extremely quiet and about 4 staff roaming around and they are all very nice and polite people, had the burger it was lovely best thing I have had in there actually, the only thing I will say is that their is not much go with the staff their extremely slow and you wait quite sometime before getting served I can understand when it's busy but the place was dead, apart from that great film great food

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Shi78 . 2016-02-17

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I really enjoyed my first matcha tea on a Barcelona chair, overlooking a tranquil harbour. On Up Helly Aa day, I loved the potato soup (mutton for the meat eaters) and bannocks. The service was attentive and warm.

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Ecoblogger . 2016-02-01

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Here for a conference at the Mareel and so had just a light lunch. The spicy kidney bean soup was very tasty. The roll was rather pale and added nothing. Service was friendly, welcoming and helpful. View is out to the water. Mixture of tables and coffee tables. Seating seemed limited - but I suspect there may be more space upstairs.

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Jack2502 . 2015-11-13

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We wanted a warm bite before the film, but all hot food had finished so had to settle for a sandwich. A rowdy table nearby destroyed any atmosphere, but it should be great looking out through the big windows

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LFHbod . 2015-11-07

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Great food with a whole load of variety. Always come here after watching a film and always usually busy which is a great sign.

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val_thom777 . 2015-11-05

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We enjoyed a simple coffee and cake here one day after visiting the museum. Like many of the places on the island there is free wifi for patrons and a lovely view as well.

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859jackg . 2015-10-28

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good place to visit for a drink or cuppa. service can be slow however worth the time to visit as the atmosphere is nice. good for a after meal drink or before film.

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DidaZE1 . 2015-10-24

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Service is better than it used to be but can still be slow when they're busy. Bacon rolls are well filled but the bread never tastes as fresh as it should - I think they keep it in the fridge, which is a bad plan. Some good homebaked cakes. Hot chocolate is inexplicably served in tall china mugs with no handles which are way too hot to hold; you have to wrap napkins round them. Great views, though.

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SMBurns . 2015-10-19

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Well worth a visit. The staff are obliging, the coffee is good and the gluten free cake is delicious

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EmAi796 . 2015-09-12

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Probably as good a location and atmosphere as you can get for a cafe bar in Shetland. Love how you can come here for a pint/glass of wine or coffee/cake depending on the mood and it seems to work for both.The main downside is the slow service. It isn't always bad but would put me off coming for a lunch break or if I was short on time. However, if you have time, the food is very decent value and usually fine. Coffee is usually very good too and they have the best selection of beers in Lerwick.With pubs in the state that they are in Lerwick, it is still one of the only places in town I would take friends visiting Shetland.

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sandwickersworld . 2015-08-12

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Sat here in the cafe in the afternoon hoping yo have a beer and some food . Beer yes, food no. There was no sign kitchen closed due to food all being sold???? The amount of people who came in and then left was shocking. Why oh why still after all this time has the management not got this place right. It lets the other aspects of this beautiful site down. I despair... The beer was ok

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Scott G . 2015-08-03

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Excellent coffee in a relaxed environment. Service can be a bit on the slow side so I would not recommend if one is in a rush although most clients there are going for the relaxed atmosphere.

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RedHamish . 2015-07-24

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Mareel is a very impressive arts centre, right on the waterfront in Lerwick. The cafe-bar overlooks the town's best-preserved historic dock and the interior is nicely designed and finished. The ambience is really good, too, and it's deservedly popular.The food on offer is a selection of scones and cakes in the morning and afternoon with some simple choices at lunchtime (soup, sandwiches, baked potato, salad bowls) and other options in the evening. A baked potato was seriously over-cooked, but other than that the food has been vey good. The salad bowls are a little basic, but tasty.There's a good selection of coffees, teas, soft drinks, beers and wines. They sell a lot of matcha.The cafe-bar's main problem has been organisational, reflected in service which, at times, has been desperately slow. If Costa or Pret can produce a coffee in little more time than it takes to pay the bill, it's simply baffling to find a place that can take ten minutes to produce a simple americano or latte. That said, things do seem to be improving and the staff have always been unfailingly friendly and helpful. And the prices are very reasonable.Another issue is bar service when an event or concert is on. Quite why Shetland venue bars (i.e. Mareel and Clickimin) have never cottoned on to the notion of taking pre-orders for interval drinks (when there is a defined interval, and therefore a guaranteed scramble) is another puzzle, as it would save so much hassle.But let's hope for further improvement. Provided you're not in a hurry, it's a great place to hang out, read the papers, check your emails and decide which films you might want to see.

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Suilven . 2015-07-12

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Local hippest bar & newest culture centre. Had evening drinks here & lunch too. Very attentive staff & wonderful views over harbour. Cinema screens & music rooms too.

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manxboy . 2015-07-09

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I have been here on a number of occasions, not necessarily through choice, and the service in here has always been slow, bordering on disorganised. The latest occasion a friend and I queued for ages for 3 coffees, and although there were only 3 or 4 folk in front, and 4 behind the counter it took ages. On ordering we were then told that things were a bit behind, and there could be a 15 minute wait. This was not practical so we left. On other occasions (not quite as slow) coffee was good, home-bakes adequate. Would I come here through choice - no, when there are a few similar type cafes providing a better (and thankfully faster) service. The potential is there though.

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fiddler69 . 2015-07-08

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Good selection of sandwiches and snacks on the lunch menu which I could say are fairly priced. Service can be a bit inconsistent but I feel it is getting much much better than when the cafe first opened. A good atmosphere in the place though and somewhere you can sit for a while with out feeling like the staff want you to leave.

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Louthom8767 . 2015-07-02

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A great place to come just to relax on your own, free Wi Fi in the café area and tables for relaxing or working (laptop). Lovely tray bake type cakes and a fantastic hot chocolate. A fresh airy feel to the building which made my visit more pleasant.

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greendream . 2015-07-01

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great atmostphere, comfy sofas etc but the constant slow service really needs addressing!...I popped in a few Fridays ago to pick up my daughter from a youth event, and deliberately went 15 mins early so I could get a hot choc, there was only one person infront of me, but as she was ordering heaps of cocktails...which were being made one at a time...from scratch..it took 15 mins to get served!.....its not unusual to wait so long to get served, it takes twice as long to actually get what you ordered!....went in the other morning, just after 10, only 2 other people in the cafe bar, me and friend ordered a bacon roll and 2 hot drinks, food came and was eaten, and at 10.25 our drinks finally arrived....ta da!!!...over 20 mins!!! 4 staff on and less than 5 customers in the place?....I would love to say this is a one off but slow service is just too common!..Oh and if you happen to want something hot to eat in the morning then I hope you're not vegetarian!...bacon rolls, sausage rolls etc, no fried egg rolls, not even hot toast anymore (toaster is broken staff tell me)...

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mjaneG . 2015-06-28

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... space, esp in the rain! - with intrusive, unappreciated (by us) over-head music. Coffee just OK - had to wait a long time for it, despite plenty of staff, but these appeared disorganized. (A common feature of our 8-day Lerwick stay...) Not much, if anything, on offer in the way of cakes, etc, by mid-PM when we visited. Seating - particularly for older folk - uncomfortable, very low couches difficult to extricate oneself from. Might be considered modern & trendy but it's not functional, fit for purpose.

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emarciniw . 2015-06-28

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Nice surroundings but staff and service can be a let down. Soups often the best offerings. The quality of the coffee is good, as is the selection of teas.

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swc247 . 2015-06-22

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This used to be a local facility for me, and was/is still very popular due it being the only cinema facilities in Shetland.However, I doubt I'll ever really eat in the Cafe Bar again. I'm sick of the sloooow service, with the food being only mediocre for the time it took to make! Homebakes are nothing spectacular, and the staff seem so laid back about their service time. I also find the prices a tad high for the quality of food and drink.

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lhogg92 . 2015-06-21

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A bit slow with the old service guys, maybe a bit too much chat going on. Decent range of cakes and stuff, coffee was average.

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David F . 2015-06-13

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Although advertising food until 21:00, last orders are taken at 20:30, and I arrived only a few minutes before, so I was relieved to find that the evening menu selection (www.mareel.org/cafe/food/evening-menu) was still available. I recommend the locally-sourced pepper-smoked mackerel paté with crudités & toasted ciabatta for just £4.50, enough to make a light meal by itself, or if hungry could be combined with other choices.

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ColinBattle . 2015-06-05

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we found the service here perfectly fine, quick and friendly. The food is tasty and good value, it was perfect when we wanted an easy lunch. I liked the coffee especially. and it has a nice relaxed atmosphere and lovely view of the water. We were tempted by a cinema trip but the weather wasn't bad enough

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twoplusonetravel . 2015-06-04

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Loads of staff just standing around, while there's several dirty tables to be wiped and cleared! Got given a glass, which had lipstick on it along with a cup of watery, weak, cold mocha. Wasn't impressed!

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Shannon-Jade S . 2015-06-03

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Been twice in the last fortnight. At last after asking for 'normal' tetley tea bags rather than English pig tea which I don't like. So well done for getting that, I'd like to think you have listened to the customers but it's likely because you get cheaper big bags from the wholesalers. On both occasions I felt all apart from one on the last visit I felt were appropretry dresed to work in a cafe. Very tight leggings no aprons and a shirt doesn't look good. If hot soup/food were to be spilled on your legs you are not protected from burning. Pumps you scuff everywhere isn't good footwear either, and very irritating as a customer. Using no apron when preparing or serving isn't very good as I presume your clothes are the ones you put on at home, ie outdoor clothes. Protective clothing is one of the first things you are thought at catering school. I only buy cups of tea there for this reason and take it to the cinema, I'd never eat there as you can never find a clean table without you having to clear it yourself first of ask for a cloth to wipe it, then you spot the number of Mankie clothes in full use cross contaminating everything as they go. On the positive the young inexperienced staff have always been very pleasant every time I go there, although I'm not sure due to high turnover if I've seen the same ones twice, but I could be wrong there.

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Fraser C . 2015-06-03

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Young, trendy. relaxing, friendly staffYou can drink coffee and read newspapers if you want to, or have a nice drink. serve snacks too

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rizbac . 2015-06-03

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.. but could be so much better. Last time we were in there wasn't a clean table, and yet there semed to be several staff on, not clearing or cleaning, just ignoring the grot. We like Mareel. We want to sit there. We want to order food. Its a great place to go for a coffee, and sit. There is no need for it to be institutionally dirty. Please sort it out!

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southerlygale . 2015-05-18

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It's a nice space with lovely views, but since they opened, staff have been poorly trained and the Cafe Bar badly managed. Our recent visit was to a standing concert. We queued 3 times at the bar for drinks. This took 30, 25 & 20 minutes! This has been an issue since Mareel opened and has never been addressed.

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Ingrid G . 2015-05-14

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The cafe bar at Mareel is a bright welcoming place with great views across the harbour. We have visited a few times before in 2013 and the food is very tasty - when it comes.I ordered a mackerel pâté salad and a cold drink. Mine was the only ordered lined up for 15 minutes and there were three staff at the counter. Out table, and the two empty ones either side of mine, we're dirty and has empty plates and bottles - I had to ask for a cloth to clean it. The waiter got round to it after 10 minutes - still no other customers, just lots of chat - and managed to miss the two tea cups STILL on the table. All I ask is that the new management look at their staff training - there is no point hiring kids if they can't do the job. Lerwick is developing it's cafe alternatives rapidly and it was only the weather that prevented me getting up and going elsewhere on this occasion.Oh, the salad? 21 minutes - still no other customers!

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TinLeeds . 2015-04-16

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Been here many times. Good beer and drinks at reasonable prices. Simple snack menu but tasty. Friendly service

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lerwickdave . 2015-02-18

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Excellent food, free wifi and lots of people watching! The service system for the cafe is a bit bonkers but is well staffed with lots of young people. Maybe not the place to go if you want peace and quiet.

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lorrainee278 . 2015-02-14

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I had coffee and snacks here several times when I lived in Lerwick, and while I liked the place, the service was dreadful. You stand and wait (and you invariably wait a fair while!) to order, and then they tell you to take a seat, and they'll bring your order to you. The tables are dirty (yes, every time!) The staff forget your order (nearly every time) You have to ask two or three times for a coffee! They never bring sugar and milk with the coffee, so that's another trip back to the counter. I like the fact that there is a nice view, but please, please, can someone train the staff! The place wasn't busy, there were two people behind the bar, and our order wasn't complicated: a soup and a coffee. How difficult is that? (my husband had wanted a bacon roll, but was told that the chef was on a break, and so settled for a piece of cake with his coffee) I hate starbucks, but at least you get a coffee when you order one there. We would have had coffee in the Museum, but the cafe there was about to close. Finally, I don't like the new tables and chairs. They are not comfortable, and nor do they look good. The place no longer even has a newspaper to read. In fact, the next time I'm in Lerwick, I'll make sure that I get to the Museum in plenty of time before the cafe closes!The only saving grace was that the soup was good.

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JacquiandJohn . 2015-02-09

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A tiny sliver of cake which was eaten 20 minutes before the accompanying coffee arrived. It's a lovely environment, but maybe best for things that can be served immediately, like beer.

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allison659 . 2015-01-25

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