The Bank House Coffee Shop in Carrickfergus

I had the vegetable Balti at The Bank House in October 2020. The owner, Sinéad made it. I think this was the only Indian food you could find in Whitehead. It was very good. Great, big bowl of hot food, and I like their bread.They had a foot-operated hand sanitiser device at the entrance. The staff all wore face shields and some had masks underneath as well. The tables were spaced out, and there were some separator screens in the dining area. People cleaned each table after diners finished eating and left. I got some take away soup while I was there. They do home made soups that are marvelous.

I love their new home-made quiche of the day. For six quid you get it with a salad bowl. They have a great variety of salads on offer, but I just ask for a mixture. It was all good – couscous, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, peppers and more. Because the government’s Eat Out to Help Out offer was on, my meal was only three pounds. For these giveaway prices I stayed for half a portion of coffee cake and a pot of tea.On a different day I had another variation, one of their home-made soups then the quiche with salad. Great combination.Service here is excellent. People working here seem to really enjoy their day.Lots of things are new and different, besides the menu. They open from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Staff are all in face shields and often masks underneath as well. The tables have been spaced out, and there are some separator screens in the dining area. There is a foot-operated hand sanitiser station at the entrance, and a one-way system with the exit through their French doors.Dogs and bicycles are very welcome in the spacious garden area. Out there you’ll find the willow horse and ploughman sculptures by Welig Heritage Crafts. Their exterior has been given a new coat of paint. The neighbours in the outstanding 1904 end of the building have yarn-bombed the railings outside with a host of festive hand-woven bunting. Some of the knitted designs feature the famous coloured houses from Whitehead’s sea front.

Going for a walk called in for lunch. The menu had salads and soup etc if you are looking fast-food type option need to go elsewhere. Went for the soup which was tasty and toasted sandwich. Portion control was also the control. The soup was microwaved. Did get the eat out to help out but would have been slightly expensive if not using that.

Just awful. Drove up the coast out of my way to visit this cafe. I'd had a lovely flavoursome sandwich here at Christmas, so I was looking forward to the same today. The menu was tiny. The waitress informed me that they were serving a smaller menu due to covid 19. Well the menu consisted of soup, a cheese and ham toasties, and quiche!Ridiculous! Ordered two cheese toasties. When they arrived they were not conventional bread toasties, but instead thick dried up sliced homemade loaf. Absolutely no weight or substance to the bread. No salad or as much as a lettuce leaf with them. We were asked if we wanted a small tub of coleslaw, which in my opinion, should have came with the sandwich anyway. Shouldn't have needed to be asked.Drank the awful Americano coffees and ate as quick as we could to get out.Won't be back. If you can't offer decent menu, then just stay closed.Worst lunch we've ever had in our lives!

Wot a fantastic fine so glad it was recommended special thanks to Stephanie for talking us through the menu and letting us sample the cheese it was absolutely delicious!! All the food the toasties were double deckers well filled!! Soup was scrumptious the super food salads well OMG it was Devine. And now the most important thing to say the desserts was absolutely delicious well my carrot and apricot cake was bloody yummy. We also had coffee,chocolate and lemon and coconut cake they were all home made and delicious. Also in there was a fifteen no words for that. So sad that we dont live local r this would b r go to place for food. But the next time we r in near we will definitely call.

I came across this place on TA when planning a trip to Whitehead with my wife and, realising that the government's half-price offer would be in operation that day, thought it wise to check via Facebook. We were advised to book and were offered the option of outside which, taking a chance on the weather, we decided on. It was good advice as we might not have got a table if we had just turned up, and that would have been a real shame! The menu is short but had more than enough choice for us. I ordered a house speciality called Dragon's Egg, a truly delicious cheese concoction, my wife had a cheese & ham toastie which she pronounced delicious. We shared a Greek salad full of feta and olives. Plus good tea and coffee. The service was friendly and helpful, the weather stayed fine and the government paid half - what's not to like!

Two soups and Humus with coffee and tea. Great. Lively business in former bank with friendly staff and clever food.

A must do if you are in the area and dying for a coffee and cake or sandwich Extremely friendly and wonderful value

Spent a day shopping around Whitehead. Got thirsty so went into the bank house For a nice wee rest and got some lovely soup and tea and cake staff were very helpful looks lovely for Xmas well worth a visit Sr

Had a lovely lunch in the bank house and there was a live band playing which added to the atmosphere. Good service,pleasant staff and I love the craft shop.

Had been here once before and had a pleasant enough experience. Went back today but unfortunately this was not to be repeated. I ordered a BOWL of soup which was to come with some bread. What I got was a small disposable cup of soup and bread in a plastic bag. No BOWL and no PLATE! Apparently there were no bowls, however a short time later I noticed people getting soup served in bowls. I appreciate this was maybe a busier day than usual but no excuse.

Great food and good atmosphere loved the menu would go back. Loved the shop too get gifts for all year round

The Bank House is a hidden jem in Whitehead. Its a simple cafe yet the food offerings are excellent and the staff are warm and friendly. The lady owner came over and chatted with us which made us feel very welcome.

This September there was a friendly contest between different Whitehead restaurants, Traybake Central. It was a week organised by people from the council, under their Taste the Island campaign.At the Bank House Martin cooked up several new desserts for the competition. I tried one with blueberries, and it was great. His most popular creation turned out to be the Bank House Brownie. The recipe included Irish raspberries, Burren balsamic vinegar infused with raspberries, NearyNógs chocolate, Neill’s flour and Glenballyeamon free range eggs. This winning formula will now be added to the selection of desserts from the deli.I had my tray bake with a pot of tea. Often I eat their soup and sandwich combo; it makes for a very good meal and is available to take away. They have a choice of chairs or red couches to sit on inside. They also have a great garden area for dining outside. Its a dog-friendly garden. If you can, visit around 4pm on a Wednesday or Friday, when live musicians are in playing in the dining area.I nearly forgot to say, from all the new desserts cooked up in Whitehead, the Bank House Brownie was judged to be the winner of Traybake Week. I must try one!

We visited this lovely coffee shop with my daughter and grandchildren. The lunch was delicious- a cheese platter followed by cake! Service was really friendly too. Would recommend!

Had a wonderful late morning in Whitehead. Brilliant outing to the lighthouse along meandering roads and brilliant cliffside pathways. Called in for brunch to the Bank House Coffee Shop and was disappointed. The portions were expensive and minuscule. The Irish cheeses were bland and the sourdough toast was so thin you'd have thought it had been cut on a bacon slicer. We'll certainly go back to Whitehead again. We'll probably not darken the door of the Bank House though with so many other excellent emporia to choose from.

Nice cafe but can be a bit mad at times! Like the deli bit where you can choose nice meats and cheeses. They did a gorgeous cauliflower and cheese soup! Nice place but you may have to wait for a seat

It did help that the weather was gorgeous but regardless Whitehead is a lovely quirky little town with pretty coloured houses along the front with a beautiful view of Belfast Lough. Could see clearly over to Scotland. The Bank House gift and coffee shop was recommended to me (also the wool shop adjoining it) and I wasn’t disappointed. The shop had a great selection of good quality giftware from local crafts (fab crockery for example) to children’s toys and teddies, cards etc). Sinead, the proprietor, and her partner were both charming and helpful. After talking to Sinead I felt tempted by the idea of moving to this community! Seems there’s a lot going on. The coffee shop is also excellent with scrummy cakes and other food I didn’t sample this time, and very good coffee. There’s a lovely place to sit outside as well as inside and apparently there’s live music on Wednesday (soft rock) and Friday (Irish folk) afternoons. I shall definitely be back.

In an old bank,this place is pet friendly. We found our way outside to a beautiful small courtyard garden with tables and chairs.

I come here often and love it for it's relaxing atmosphere. Really friendly staff, great coffee and soup and sandwiches. Love the deli counter and the gift shop!

Great place Very friendly staff. Home baked cake superb sandwiches made to order. Can't recommend it enough

This was our first stop on our trip to Northern Ireland. The sandwiches were excellent, all freshly made to order with fresh bread and a wide selection of ingredients. Desert selection was of a similar standard, with a good selection of freshly baked cakes & deserts. The coffee comes highly recommended too.

Really good place for a cup of coffee or a light lunch from their deli, lots of different cheese and meats and things. Great atmosphere, live music some days, bag of plastic animals and books for the kids. I like the coffee, she loves the soups they do.

Bank house is a great spot in Whitehead which is becoming a much better shopping/eating area than it was when we moved here 30 odd years ago. Bank house as it suggests used to be a bank so there's plenty of space. There's a small shop area with nice quality goods, a specialist wool shop, plus there are art and other classes from time to time. At the heart of this is a lovely little coffee shop - ideal for morning coffee with friends or a quick lunch. The staff are lovely and clearly know most of their customers. Food is fresh and tasty, the environment clean and a bit quirky and it's really worth a visit.

A homely place. Gr8 food, gr8 gifts, gr8 times. Well worth a visit. Local foid, run by local peole and frequented by the village locals. Thats the only endorsement required. Graham Poulter - february 2019

My ‘go to’ place to meet friends for great coffee and flavoursome teas. The sandwich and soup combos are sensational and very reasonably priced too. No one shushing you along, staff are warm friendly and very obliging. Couldn’t rate this place highly enough!

To borrow a phrase, 'Now that's what I call - service. This was a return trip based on previous experience. The food was good, the presentation was very pleasing, the atmosphere was lovely, and - dare I say it - the staff who served us were wonderful. If I lived nearer to this place it would be my local. Thank you to all concerned.

Very friendly and welcoming. Nice relaxing feeling about the place. Selection of homemade scones and pastries beautifully presented. Free WiFi...Great selection of artisan products. Good mix of seating to suit all needs. Dog friendly with excellent outdoor seating etc. Great spot to down a cuppa before catching the train.

This is my favourite place to meet friends for coffee or lunch . Lovely staff gorgeous food and a warm genuine atmosphere .

They don't really do cooked food here (I assume due to apparent lack of kitchen facilities), but instead concentrate mostly on sandwiches & soup (there are sweet things and excellent coffee too).

After writing a couple of (well deserved) bad reviews, time for a good one I think. The Bank House is a real find. It’s a mixture of a shop (art crafty sort of stuff – not really our thing, but nice stuff if you like that sort of thing) and café.

I was low on time between appointments and called in for food. For £6.50 I had a soup and sandwich combination. They have a great variety of ingredients to choose from, and I went for things like sundried tomatoes. Their soups are all vegetarian, and only use vegetable stock. While my dish was being prepared I sat and looked at a couple of art books from their book shelves. The food was very tasty, so no wonder they won a Taste of Ulster Award. Their hygiene score was a perfect 5 out of 5. Off I went to my next appointment, refuelled. Outside was a woven willow horse and plough man with a herb garden below. You're welcome to bring scissors and cut some free herbs to cook with back home. This coffee shop has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, with staff who seem delighted to be there.

called here on our hairdressers advice.a lovely café/bistro with a gift shop included.

Called in for a cafe latte with my husband on our way to the Gobbins. My husband had an apple cake with cream We were very happy with the friendly service and delicious refreshments

Had a Danish pastry, which was served cold and I don’t think it was made on site, bought in maybe. I love Danish pastries they r my fav snack. Having sailed around the southern islands of Denmark and experienced many variations of the DP. If u r going to do a particular food, respect it’s origin & culture and make sure you serve to the the upmost quality it can be. The coffee was grand.

Stumbled in looking for coffee/lunch, was expecting the usual run of the mill of strong tea and cheese based sandwiches.....however the range and quality of the food was excellent , almost an entire deli on display and to choose from, not to mention the home made soups and a great choice of breads and fillings. We even found a few treasures to take home in the shop!

Always a lovely time in the Bank House but this time we had sandwiches rather than the usual scone or cake. Something a bit different on offer, would definitely recommend.

Visited here today and had a delicious lunch. Had no problem having vegan food- loaded hummus, cornichon, salad, sun dried tomatoes. So tasty. Others had meat options and everyone was delighted. Also really good coffee or pots of tea. Lovely little spot and really friendly staff. I will return

So happy we had to drive they Carrickfergus and decided to stop in Whitehead to find lunch. A nice woman suggested the Bank House and it was exactly what we were looking for. Although we weren't sure at first we had the right place as it does look like a bank converted into a gift store more than a cafe from the outside. We had a splendid little visit with the owners when we arrived and decided to go with a platter and soup. We were able to try some cheeses before selecting our board. The soups were delicious and homemade. I even bought the chutney to take home with me. We arrived right at the start of lunch and by the time we left it was right full! Great timing! I definitely recommend this spot!

Great selection of food. All delicious. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Highly recommended. Garden lovely to sit in the garden on a sunny day.

Visited cafe en route to the Gobbins for a quick lunch. Lovely sandwiches made with wide choice of local cheeses. Soup also very good. Came back for coffee and cake after our walk , also excellent. Got to listen to some local musicians(traditional Irish music) practicing in the cafe at the same time. Staff very friendly too.

My wife and I have now enjoyed lunch at the Bankhouse on three occasions.

This is a regular haunt for my family and I. The food is lovely and the service is really friendly and helpful. The Deli counter and shop sell some lovely food to take away. A great spot to relax and pass some time.

A welcome coffee break after a long walk. Great selection of cakes. Scones were gone so they must have been good. Coffee very nice. It was busy so service was a little under pressure.

What a lovely surprise! This is a gem of a place. Comfortable seating, a fantastic menu and really good service. I was welcomed nicely by staff who took time to answer my questions and who prepared the most delicious honey ham and cheese sandwich with all the trimmings for me. That along with the spiced moroccan soup made for the best lunch i have eaten out in a long time. Excellent quality and food full of flavour served by friendly, knowledgable and professional staff. I will most definitely be back.

We called in for a family lunch when passing Whitehead. Parking nearby was no problem. The cafe was very nice with a gift shop in front.

We went here for lunch today and it was superb. I had the Deli Board - delicious local cheese, chutneys, tapenade, ciabatta & a smoothie - fantastic. My Mum had soup and a sandwich - she said her sandwich was "the nicest sandwich she had had in a long time!". it was thumbs up all around - we will definitely be back - especially on a Friday afternoon when there is live music. A great find!

I always like their soup; this time I had a combo, soup and a sandwich. The sandwich I had was delicious, it was pastrami and cheese with sun dried tomatoes and rocket salad. The soup was their home-made carrot recipe. It was a really lovely and satisfying meal.

I got four pieces of toast, those butter packets, a little dish of relish (like Branston, but not Branston, something better), and a ball of dragon’s egg cheese. It was a very nice snack. Well presented, on a round wooden platter like a chopping board. Dragon’s egg is a soft, mostly spreadable cheese with different bits of green and orange ingredients in it. Very nice. They have many, many choices of cheese and cold meats to choose from. The atmosphere in this coffee shop is very special. The staff seem to be very happy to be there, and very glad to see you. At certain times there can be an art class happening at a couple of tables, or traditional musicians playing on another day. The artwork on the coffee shop walls changes every month. They have a dog and bicycle-friendly garden area you can dine in. There is a new sculpture out there, a very impressive life-sized willow horse and plough man. It was woven by local volunteers from Brighter Whitehead, who work to plant flowers all around the town every year. There's a free car park around the corner on Balmoral Avenue, and the Victorian train station is one street away.

There was an evening opening called Cafe Church on Saturday, which I attended. It is for everybody to come and enjoy different kinds of games and entertainment. There is coffee, teas and juice, and tray bakes - all for free. If you prefer a barista-made drink, then you are able to buy one. This time we had June Carton singing solo on the keyboard, she was very good. This was all adding to the `Hygge` in the Bank House. For those not yet familiar with the meaning of the word `Hygge`, it means that you are in a place with a lovely, warm and very friendly atmosphere. It is on every last Saturday of each month, except for November, where it happens on the 18th, because the Victorian Street Fair is on the following week, November 25th.

Had lovely lunch here today. Pate board was delicious and friend enjoyed irish cheese board. Friendly owner - good selection of cheese to take home. We will have to come back and try tasty looking cakes.

Is it the welcoming staff? Is it the small deli that greets customers?

Stopped on a tour for a break and found them by chance. The team running the shop is very friendly and courteous. The coffee, hot chocolate and cake are the best of our trip so far! Full marks for you.

Had a wonderful take-away from the deli. Adding some Italian bread from McKee’s bakery (9 Windsor Avenue) made a really great meal for a summer lunchtime. Ideal for a picnic to take with you on the free and famous Blackhead Path.

We enjoyed coffee here at the Bank House Coffee shop. It has lots of lovely things and art prints for sale. Light meals.

This small coffee shop is light, airy and comfortable. It serves good quality coffee and very tasty scones. The small shop it includes is lovely to browse through. Would definitely return and can recommend it.

We were lucky to stumble upon the Bank House on our way to the Gobbins. Super friendly staff and the best ever homemade soup and very nice deli sandwiches and cheese. Sorry we didn't have time for sweets which also looked good.

I love to visit The Bank House when I'm home. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.

Enjoyed a lovely lunch, quaint little coffee shop and unusual quirky gifts in the shop. Friendly staff.

The deli tasting platter - what a taste experience! Make a choice of cheeses and meats with fresh bread or crackers and choice of tapenade and a drink. The range of flavours was stunning, the location was relaxing. A wonderful way to spend some time. Highly recommend a visit, don't wait till you are in the area, this is a reason to visit.

I had their carrot and coriander soup. They offer different choices of soups each day. My bowlful was very good, the bread was delicious and the portions generous. I sat outside in the sunshine with friends. The Bank House Garden is now open, an outdoor landscaped area of tables, chairs, lawn-edge seating with cushions, and even suspended swinging chairs. Its very good for cyclists, with plenty of room to safely park bikes. Many dog owners dine here, with the pooch on a lead enjoying a bowl of water. A dog in one of my photos looks huge, but was the most silent, friendly thing. The staff who work here are brilliant; very cheerful and nothing’s too much trouble. Soon this place will be opening a deli, to sell a selection of cold meats, fine cheeses, olives and olive oil. Sounds great. I look forward to getting my soup with a cheese board, or a meat board.There’s a big, free car park around the corner on Balmoral Avenue. The Bank House has a wheelchair ramp, a toilet and a cash till.

I do really like the comfy red sofas and friendly atmosphere in this coffee shop, but now I'm spoiled for choice. They have built a new garden for visitors to enjoy the fresh air. They have new seats outside suspended by a rope you can try. A great toy! I`m definitely coming back to try a wobbly Americano. It`s a lovely garden with flowers planted in so many colours. We enjoyed wall to wall sunshine. You'll find so many people here to talk to. The servers here are also very special. Back inside there is traditional music on Friday afternoons to enjoy for free. They have an art gallery where a new artist shows different pictures every month.

Called in today for coffee and scone.Beautifully presented -coffee excellent and scone delicious. Lovely staff and the added benefit of a gift shop to browse as well. Definitely recommend.

We often have coffee here combined with a visit to the gift shop and wool shop. The coffee and scones are great but what makes this place so special are the staff who are always friendly and helpful. For example the last time we were in the shop we met an old friend. I wanted to write down by phone number for her and borrowed a pen from the staff As I attempted to write the number on a statuette another member staff quietly handed me a notepad. If I could give them six stars I would.

We were a party of six. Having soup for lunch I can wholeheartedly recommend the soup in here. It is lovely and tasty and served with two pieces of bread, butter, and is very satisfying. I had the tomato soup. All the staff are so accommodating, its like being at a friend's house. Simone, who makes the soup, is brilliant at what she does. Chris made my coffee, with a fern design in the froth. There is a very lovely and relaxed atmosphere in The Bank House, you can still talk to your company there. They have gluten-free cakes. There is a cash till in the wall outside. Next door is Lighthouse Yarns, with a very colourful bicycle all woven with wool outside.

Friendly staff serving fantastic coffee in stylish cups plus a great range of pastries. The trendy nik nak shop at the front is a bonus. A highlight of Whitehead.

Love this place! The coffee is delicious, desserts amazing and the staff very friendly. I'd sit there all day if I could!

Whitehead is served by several coffee houses and I would have to say none are of the one star category. This particular 'house' is part of a gift shop with wheelchair accessby ramp to the front door. Plenty of convenient vehicle parking and, as the 'house' was a former bank the ATM is at the ramp. Double espresso, large mocca, and a half slice of chocolate cake £6. Well worth a journey for the impeccable service alone. Their coffee blend is excellent.

I was here two days running to buy to-go soup. £3.50. They cook up something each day, and its good stuff. Day one I chose a tomato one over the carrot option. The next day I had the broccoli and Stilton. You get a roll or bread with it, and the cup it comes in is compostable. It says on the side “This is a very SPECIAL Cup. The paper is sustainably sourced and it has a unique lining making it 100% compostable and 100% biodegradable. A better choice of cup.” The soups were very nice. Relaxed atmosphere for all ages in this place, very friendly. Its like a family room where the occupants, either strangers or friends, chat together. They have a bag of plastic animals for kids to play with, and books or a newspaper if you prefer. There are paintings around the walls that they change every month. Free WiFi. The staff are fabulous: Pierce, Chris and Deedee, while Simone also makes the soup. This place is Whitehead’s answer to the bar in Cheers.

One of the highlights of Whitehead! A real curio of gifts, crafts, coffee and cakes, with something to suit everybody. Really super staff, friendly atmosphere and great coffee. Definitely recommended!

Easy wheelchair access. Friendly staff. Good shop to browse.Coffee first class. Would have no reservations in returning.

This lovely old bank has been converted into a really nice gift shop with a variety of gifts to suit all ages and tastes and at the same time you can sit and enjoy lovely fresh snacks and drinks. Highly recommended.

Lovely atmosphere. Friendly staff. Amazing quirky gifts ranging from paintings, jewellery, knitting wool all by local artists and crafters. The jewellery range by "Miss Maisie's Wee Shop" deserves a special mention. The handmade pieces of unique one of a kind jewellery makes for a perfect gift. Very impressive. Over all I would definitely recommend a visit

Catch up with Friends We met to share a natter and coffee The staff were so lovely The ambience was embracing And this place was so charming

Excellent stop for coffee and snack with Wi-Fi which is a big bonus in Whitehead. Only down side is the shopping cannot help ourselves buying something. Very relaxed nice folk.

Love this place! Always find it relaxing here! Coffee and Rice Krispie square very nice, as ever. Staff very friendly and welcoming.

good place to go if you are looking for something nice to buy for your friends ,you could spend quite a long time looking at all the arts and crafts that are there, then spend time in the lovely café with a nice bowl of soup or a nice cup of tea happy holiday to everyone Sadie robinson

I find that the Bank House coffee shop is a place where everyone is always very welcome. I myself know that I meet friends there, and if I'm looking for someone, this is my first port of call. The walls are used for displaying art of local artists and the exhibition is changing every month. This month there is an exhibition called The Flying Dogs Show, with some very amusing pictures. I usually have an Americano or a cappuchino, which are always very tasty. A new, hip idea is t heir variety of soups. They prepare two different kinds every day and it`s served with nice wheaten or crusty bread. They close later than many places, about 5:30. Many people bring their children here, even groups of children and the staff are very good, always friendly and highly attentive to the children, they even have books and puzzles for them to engage themselves with. The traditional Irish music on Friday afternoons is highly enjoyable They are doing a big teddy bears' picnic soon, for the Whitehead summer festival.

Been here a few times this summer. I like the soups they now do, £3.50. A new thing is the selection of smoothies for £2.75. Berry-Go-Round = forest fruits, Strawberry Split = strawberry and banana, Broccoli & the Beast = broccoli with mango and pineapple, Kale kick = mango, spinach and kale. Tasty and healthy, I'm a chicken and stick to the Berry-Go-Round. Some days I had tea and a dessert, just to be bad. You can also get your order as a takeaway. Lots of families come here, and the kids love the big red couches and cushions. Highly recommended is to call in on a Friday afternoon, there’s often a band in doing live Irish music, for free. There’s always new art to enjoy around the walls every month.

Visited with friends for a catchup with the babies and def wont be back!We sat down and ordered coffee and scones. Girl behind counter very unpleasant and lacked any customer service skills whatsoever!We were not assisted with drinks- friends teapot leaking and staff looking disapprovingly at one of the babies who started to cry. Maybe we were putting her customers out who knows! ??They put on establishment doors these days" No animals/pets allowed. This place should have "no children allowed"Wont be back!

Called in last week. Coffee and cake nothing special. The staff were unpleasant and seemed rushed. The lady in front of me asked for coffee to go. Was told "No". No cups!! The woman behind the counter was not nice. The young man was telling people that they would just have to wait. More pleasant places to go in Whitehead. Won't be back.

I haven't been in the Bank House for a year. Is it under new management? I was looking forward to coffee and scone when I went in today as I had business in the town. I was disappointed on both counts. Not very pleasant tasting coffee and less than good scone. The presentation reminded unchanged: lovely tableware although the water which used to come as standard had to be asked for. The staff were bickering loudly enough to be heard by customers and while being served customers failed to receive the attention required. Will I be back? Unlikely.....

I stopped to try one of their homemade soups. Pea and mint – this was a combination I’d never encountered before. I liked it very much. Plus crusty bread, all for £3.50. This place has cozy red couches, or chairs and tables if you prefer. There are some books and newspapers about that you’re welcome to browse. Great atmosphere. It happened to be the third birthday of the place. A lady called Sinead Brennan bought the site, a 1904-1905 listed building, with a 1974 extension. She’s doing an amazing job of fixing everything up – it had lain empty. Sandstone trimmings, Renaissance style with pediments. There’s a toilet in here, by the way. This place usually hosts live music on Friday afternoons – guitars, fiddles, people singing. Great to hear. Service, I should add, is excellent.

Had a lovely pea/mint soup here. Normally I would have different coffees in here and cakes. But a friend highly recommended the soups they have started to serve in the Bank House. It was delicious served with wheaten bread and butter.

Called in with some people I was helping with genealogical research in the public library across the road. This coffee shop here stays open until 5.30pm, giving you extra time when you need it. Had some of their tea with lemon and coconut cake. Very nice. Soya coffee and skinny coffees are on offer here. The owner was about, she and the staff are very chatty and good. We were laughing about how they beat some cream up especially for me, but distracted and talking about research I forgot to eat it. Oops.

This is another cafe within a shop which I find to be a very acceptable combination. The shop has a gorgeous selection of unique items and of particular note is Granny's Closet which has a beautiful range of baby clothes and gifts. Back to the cafe - it's a small area and the seats aren't overly comfortable but they serve very nice scones and tray bakes. I also love their Chai Tea Latte and was pleased to be asked how strong I would like it to be.

Lovely service. Lovely coffee and tea. Very chilled. A wee living room .home from home.nice and cosy

This place is a converted local bank, it now includes art, clothes, arts and crafts workshops and a fantastic cafe. If you're ever stuck for an interesting gift to buy, this is the place to go.

We called in to Whitehead on our way to the Gobbins. We enjoyed a lovely scone and coffee. The craft shop and all the artwork on display is lovely. Thanks to Sinead for messaging me back

Great wee coffee shop in Whitehead at the back of a fantastic craft and gift shop. Good service, lovely variety. Excellent wool shop attached, well worth the visit!

Stopped in Whitehead to have a walk to the lighthouse and called in at this little coffee shop located in the old Northern/Danske bank. Very nice interior and friendly staff. coffee and tea very good with coconut and lemon cake which was also very nice . A tad expensive but still very nice. Co located with a very good wool/yarn shop (lighthouse yarns) so if you and yours like knitting call in . parking on street

Excellent coffee shop. Lovely atmosphere, Coffee shop is at the back of a lovely gift/art shop which stocks beautiful unique goods. Can't recommend it high enough!

Called in yesterday 19th September ,staff where very nice and helpful ,had one of there burger meals ,beautiful top quality Burger ,home made coleslaw and home made fries ,we had two coffees which where top quality too ,highly recommend this place for price and quality ,they also do breakfast which we are going to try at a later date .

Casual friendly atmosphere is very pleasant, the furniture appeals to the engineer in me! All the chairs are welded steel, pretty cool! The staff where friendly and diligent, it was more like visiting a relative than a café. Scone was very nice and served on some fancy crockery which suited the quirky style. I had a latte which was presented in a similar fashion and was with a double shot of espresso but a single was also offered, this is great as I try to watch my caffeine intake. The background music was from the radio and was at a good volume for having a conversation over and not distracting. I will be back.

I had some of their coffee cake, see photo. Verrry good. The milk jug was cute. Someone with me enjoyed their carrot cake. The place and the people here are very welcoming. It is also very comfortable with choices of big dining tables and chairs, or red couches with low tables, or tall stools by a bar at the back window. Outside on their front wall is a cash point. The other parts of the building date from 1905, and are very handsome. They no longer open until late on Thursdays. They have free WiFi, and I often see someone in using a laptop. On Friday afternoons local traditional musicians often gather in the coffee shop for a session. The latest “artist of the month” in the coffee shop is a group show of new pictures by people who take art classes here. Very low prices on some very nice pictures. Group shows are fun, you get a lot more variety of subjects and styles than in solo exhibitions. I liked a little acrylic osprey by Kathleen Manson, and Roger Field’s scary cliffs.

I like to call in regularly to this very good coffee shop, I like their cappuchino. Some people enjoy doing the crossword, Ricky likes to get his computer out and use their free WiFi, many gather there after fitness classes for a natter. On Fridays musicians gather to play traditional music, which is very nice. They have new art up on the walls every month, and the group show on right now has a great selection from new people who take classes here. The tiger painting by Richard Armstrong is very fierce-looking, and some puffins by Amy McLoughlin are very cute.

Excellent coffee and superb scones served in comfortable surroundings of old bank premises. Coffee is served at rear of the shop which also stocks a good range of unusual and interesting items. Premises are clean and tidy and very welcoming. Staff are attentive and polite. All in all one of the best coffee shops I have visited. Highly recommended and deserves it's number one place.

This cafe and gift shop are in the old bank building in Whitehead. When I was a child of course it was a busy thriving bank! Lovely to see its re-emergence in this way. They sell delightful prints and gifts and it is well worth visiting to enjoy coffee or afternoon tea here.

Have tried all the coffee shops in whitehead and this wins hands down. Service excellent, always welcoming and home baking delicious. Very clean toilets, always open, unlike other coffee stops in whitehead. If you try it once you'll be back.

Interesting location in this vibrant art and crafts outlet Friday live music is a bonus. Tea and coffee of a high standard.