The Glasshouse Bistro in Carrickfergus

Absolutely fantastic breckfast roll this morning. Two eggs and a hash brown, lightly toasted bun, BOOM!

Got there at 12.30, lunch time and no food left, not even a scone of saugage roll, disgraceful. We will never be back and would not recommend it to any one

Always good to go to the glasshouse in Carrickfergus. Food lovely, Jordan the server works so hard very pleasant manner and very attentive. Jordan needs promoted. a pleasure to come to the glasshouse for calmness and spacious surroundings. Thankfully no background music that you have to shout over. Thats why I love coming here.

We are a group of friends that meet for coffee, lunch, dinner, theatre trips etc and this week had the misfortune to have lunch in glasshouse bistro. Staff are fine, meals are just adequate but our experience this Wednesday was unbelievable. We had mostly finished when one of our number found a thin grey slug like creature crawling up her water glass. We called the member of staff who removed glass and replaced and seemed quite uncomfortable - we were then dealt with by manager/owner who basically said it wasn’t from the salad as everything is washed! The feeling was that we were disbelieved! No reduction or replacement was offered - to be honest no one wanted more food anyhow and discount was the last thing on our mind although in the end one was reluctantly given to the person on whose glass the slug was found, 50% ‘as you ate half your meal’. I held back, eventually going to the counter to pay and reiterating to the cashier that we wouldn't be back. Clearly they didnt care. I pointed out that I conduct external quality assurance for a number of awarding bodies/qualifications. I dont deal with catering qualifications but I do deal with customer service ones and am always looking for examples of both good and bad customer service that tutors can use with students, mature and young people, employees and college students. So congratulations Glasshouse - your response to our situation will now become both a case study and a discussion point - anonymised of course (but how many small privately run cafes are there in tourist facilities in Carrickfergus) - of how not to deal with a bunch of feisty retired ladies with reasonable disposable income who find a 5cm grey slug on one of their water glasses! The owner/manager clearly was not interested either when dealing with the individual concerned or when sitting drinking coffee, listening to my confirmation that we will not be back - the cashier suggested I went up to her and spoke! Sorry - I am not standing in front of a seated, disinterested manager, wasting my time when we were the customers - remember them? We essentially keep your business going with our custom. No longer at the glasshouse I am afraid

We are a group of lively/feisty retirees who meet regularly for coffee,lunch,afternoon tea, dinner, theatre, cinema etc. We don’t stay overly long without lots of additional orders and this week we decided to try the glasshouse bistro (cafeteria) in carrickfergus tourist centre. It was grim! Food is just ok but the customer service was unbelievable. One of our number found a slim grey slug like creature (5 cms) crawling up her water glass. We called the waitress who took the glass and replaced it and then the manager came. - Managing to make the ‘victim’ feel as though she had personally placed the slug there she said it couldn’t have been the salad as it was washed! When leaving/paying the girl to whom it happened had to insist on some kind of discount. She ended up paying 50% ‘as that is what you ate’ when I went to leave and pay, I also stated that this was the last time we would be there - it clearly didn’t faze the owner who sat to one side and listened but did/said nothing. When I went to pay I most certainly was NOT looking for discounts, I reiterated to the assistant that we would not be back and she said I could go and speak to the manager if I wished……she was sitting about 3 metres away and clearly didnt think it worthwhile to come to me and I certainly wasn’t going to waste my time going up to her to stand in front of her like some naughty schoolgirl. I externally quality assure a range of vocational qualifications including customer service - clearly not something this place uses BUT I am always on the lookout for examples, good and bad to pass on to centres and boy was this a great example of abysmal customer service. The location will of course be anonymised but how many cafeterias in County Antrim tourist centres are there? Add to this our small group of about 10/12 is part of a larger group of 45 (all with what’s app groups) and each of us has other groups with whom we communicate By late afternoon I reckon a couple of hundred people at least knew what had gone on. An unusually large number had responded citing similar unfortunate incidents with this lady. Your loss glasshouse. You could have had a regular group of people visiting, purchasing and saying what a great place to have coffee, instead of that you have this situation. The Glasshouse Bistro Carrickfergus ⁩ ⁩ ⁩ ⁩ Add a photo The Glasshouse Bistro Carrickfergus 4.1 (17) RestaurantClosed OVERVIEW REVIEWS PHOTOS ABOUT Reviews from the web 4/5Facebook · 12 votes Google review summary Reviews aren't verified 5 4 3 2 1 4.1 (17) Reviews Allprices 3 Sort by Most relevant Newest Highest Lowest chhr harpur 1 review 13 hours ago NEW Dine in | Lunch Local Guide·12 reviews 5 years ago Friendly staff very helpful and it's a very relaxing place to enjoy the meals on offer. The meals are beautifully cooked and there is a wide selection to choose from. 1 Linn Blair Local Guide·63 reviews·870 photos 5 months ago Many thanks to all the staff at The Glasshouse Bistro. They went above and beyond helping to prepare a surprise for my Mum's 80th Birthday. Thank you for all your help. The food was lovely and the service was great. Nicola Mcmaster 2 reviews 4 months ago I recently went for lunch with a elderly member of my family . The staff were very rude there was a young girl serving at all tables she was ignorant to everyone she served . We waited 30 mins to be served when we were we then waited a long …More melanie hudson 15 reviews·9 photos a year ago atmosphere is lovely and the food is delicious. staff were so friendly and helpful. really lovely little find in Carrickfergus that not everyone knows about. you should definitely pay it a visit. Bryan Nelson 15 reviews 7 months ago Lunch Great meal. Friendly staff. Barry Woods Local Guide·90 reviews·1 photo a year ago Very spacious. Great for family outings. Extensive menu.One to keep in mind. Rachel Gilliland Local Guide·19 reviews 7 months ago Dine in | Other | £10–20 Not as good as it has been in the past. Prices have increased. Cash only rita moore 3 reviews 8 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £1–10 Menu not reflective of actual price to pay. Staff rude when challenged about prices . Would avoid at all cost. Max 4 reviews·1 photo 11 months ago i hate this place my and kids all choked on the chicken bone almost felt i was about to cry then noticed that the kids meal was £30 i wanted to get my money worth so i sat down and started eating all round BAD Photo 1 in review by Max Gary Brown 1 review a year ago Business meeting with delicious coffee and scones. Staff very helpful and courteous will definitely be back. Natalie Hanley 17 reviews a year ago Delicious, generous portions and friendly efficient service. My new favourite Tina Williamson 24 reviews·5 photos 10 months ago Food was great, very open and spacious. Susie Charlton 35 reviews a year ago Dine in | Brunch Lovely staff .food excellent , great surroundings. Jennifer Armstrong 1 review a year ago Fantastic service delicious food. Would definitely recommend. Samuel Coates Local Guide·136 reviews·24 photos 11 months ago Dine in Late breakfast with my wife. Great food and service. Linda Weir Local Guide·27 reviews 3 years ago Karen Stewart 3 reviews a year ago chhr harpur 1 review 13 hours ago NEW Dine in | Lunch | £1–10 We are a group of friends that meet for coffee, lunch, dinner, theatre trips etc and this week had the misfortune to have lunch in glasshouse bistro. Staff are fine, meals are just adequate but our experience this Wednesday was unbelievable. We had mostly finished when one of our number found a thin grey slug like creature crawling up her water glass. We called the member of staff who removed glass and replaced and seemed quite uncomfortable - we were then dealt with by manager/owner who basically said it wasn’t from the salad as everything is washed! No reduction or replacement offered - to be honest no one wanted more food anyhow. In the end a discount was reluctantly given to person on whose glass the slug was found. I held back, eventually going to the counter to pay and telling the server that we wouldn't be back. Clearly they didnt care. I pointed out that I conduct external quality assurance for a number of awarding bodies/qualifications. I dont deal with catering qualifications but I do deal with customer service ones and am always looking for examples of both good and bad customer service that tutors can use with students, mature and young people, employees and college students. So congratulations - your response to our situation will now become both a case study and a discussion point - anonymised of course (but how many small privately run cafes are there in tourist facilities) - of how not to deal with a bunch of feisty retired ladies with reasonable disposable income who find a 5cm grey slug on one of their water glasses! The owner/manager clearly was not interested either when dealing with the individual concerned or when sitting drinking coffee, listening to my confirmation that we will not be back.

A group of ladies often call here after our walking group or just to meet up with friends This time 7 of us had lunch one of the party noticed a worm crawling uo her glass of water when she was half way through her meal she called the waitress and she asked the owner who came and was asked to take away the half eaten meal no apology was offered when paying no mention was made and when the owner was called over she said that they would only charge half price as only half was eaten !!!! A couple of the ladies spoke to the owner and told her we would never use the restaurant again very disappointing customer service with virtually no apology offered We will not be back again

Had lunch here yesterday with a friend. We ordered today`s special at £ 11.95 and sandwiches at £ 5.40. Both of our meals were very tasty indeed. See pictures please. Service was excellent and because of the nice food and pleasant service we shall be back for another meal soon.

I recently went for lunch with a elderly member of my family . The staff were very rude there was a young girl serving at all tables she was ignorant to everyone she served . We waited 30 mins to be served when we were we then waited a long period of time to get tea / coffee and our lunch . This upset my elderly aunt as she could understand what was going on as she’s not used to being treated like this going out for lunch I was discussed . The was also a very bad atmosphere between staff Wouldn’t recommend it

Many thanks to all the staff at The Glasshouse Bistro. They went above and beyond helping to prepare a surprise for my Mum's 80th Birthday. Thank you for all your help. The food was lovely and the service was great.

Not as good as it has been in the past. Prices have increased. Cash only

AVOID AVOID!! ordered lunch for my family here and when I went to pay, prices where much more expensive than what was shown on menu. Also menu showing sides with meals that we were then charged for. When challenged staff were rude . Much nicer places in carrickfergus to go to where menus prices are the same as what you pay., and staff are pleasant.

Menu not reflective of actual price to pay. Staff rude when challenged about prices . Would avoid at all cost.

Food was great, very open and spacious.

i hate this place my and kids all choked on the chicken bone almost felt i was about to cry then noticed that the kids meal was £30 i wanted to get my money worth so i sat down and started eating all round BAD

Late breakfast with my wife. Great food and service.

Lovely staff .food excellent , great surroundings.

Very spacious. Great for family outings. Extensive menu.One to keep in mind.

Fantastic service delicious food. Would definitely recommend.

Business meeting with delicious coffee and scones. Staff very helpful and courteous will definitely be back.

We hadn’t been here since before lockdown, and you never know how places may have changed… it hadn’t, thankfully. I’ve got some really dreadful reviews of other places to write, so I’ll keep this one short and sweet. We were very happy with the quality of food and service. My companion had Caesar Salad, pronounced “lovely”; I had a breast of chicken with pepper sauce. Now here’s the thing. This is a pretty simple dish; not rocket science to get right. But you’d be amazed at how difficult some chefs seem to find with the basics. The main problem with chicken breast is that it can be very dry, and I’ve had countless examples. Very happy to say that the chef here had managed to keep this one lovely and moist, whilst cooked all the way through. A large portion of pepper sauce came in a little jug, together with a decent proportion of tasty cheesy mash. What I’m pretty sure wasn’t mentioned on the menu, and so a pleasant surprise, was a generous portion of beautifully crisp French Fried Onions, and a little boat of ratatouille. I left feeling that I’d eaten slightly too much, but only because it was so tasty. 10 out of 10 – and I’m fussy. The waitresses were very polite and professional too, I have to say. Will certainly be back before long. Sorry, I said this one would be short :-(

Delicious, generous portions and friendly efficient service. My new favourite

atmosphere is lovely and the food is delicious. staff were so friendly and helpful. really lovely little find in Carrickfergus that not everyone knows about. you should definitely pay it a visit.

Excellent experience. Meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. Service was excellent. Food was very good. Nice spacious area. We where there for 2 hours and we where not put under any pressure to leave. Will definitely be back I would highly recommend.

I've visited this mockery twice once a few years back and again today with my friend and her child and remembered why I didn't go back from before... The lady owner Lorraine sits at a table near the kitchen and barks orders at her staff, glares at you as customers as though your an inconvience, tuts and makes snide remarks to your waitress at your request for more than 1 small sachet of sauce for a large fry because the first one is free! I had forgot how rude and obnoxious this woman was the reason I never returned from my previous encounter last time she was shouting in a waiters face for a minor mistake in front of myself and other customers very embarrassing for the young man and complete unprofessional conduct from an owner that seems to offer nothing but an uncomfortable setting shameful to say the least!

This was today's special, fresh and tasty, melt in the mouth beef and horseradish mash, finished with cinnamon shortbread and tea, served by friendly staff.

This cafe is beside the museum. It is very good for light meals, morning coffees, afternoon teas. Very friendly staff.

Had never eaten here and was very impressed with the service and food which was excellent. All of the family absolutely loved their food which was very tasty and reasonably priced. Loved the glass roof and natural light.

I was in here for lunch together with a couple of friends. I had the lamp chops with a small shepherds pie and chips. I really enjoyed this as the chops were very tasty indeed, I could may be have wanted the chips a bit more well done, but nevertheless it was a very satisfactory meal for just under £ 10. The service in here is always quick and the staff is very attentive.

I've eaten here a couple of times recently. Had some sandwiches that were very good. I liked the very spacious dining area; it had a choice of chairs or couches. The place was very light and bright, under a vast glass ceiling on high. There was a special or two on offer and these have been great whenever I tried them. Under the same roof were local historical displays, this time on a local man who won the Victoria Cross in WWI, and the WWI airships at Bentra in Whitehead. Through doorways you can find the town's museum, and an exhibition space that was hosting a show of local artists' pictures. I especially enjoyed seeing the expressive oil paintings of Michael Sparkes.

Very disappointed came to the civic centre cafe for the first time today, cups, saucers and glasses where dirty. The food wasn't great either. Hair in kids meal, I would also assume everything would be cooked fresh and bacon wasn't it was cold and an off colour. Toastie was dripping wet with grease on the bottom. I was asked how the food was when paying and I had explained that it wasn't how I assumed it would be. Waitress got the manager and I honestly found her so rude, she obviously can't take criticism at all and she came across like I had been making it up and I told her I have no issues on paying just don't ask the opinion if you cant accept what peoples views are

My wife and i called in here while visiting Carrickfergus to do some shopping. We found the staff very friendly and attentive. The food was really good and reasonably priced. We would definitely call again.

Friendly staff very helpful and it's a very relaxing place to enjoy the meals on offer. The meals are beautifully cooked and there is a wide selection to choose from.

I was very impressed with their pages and pages of menus, plus a lengthy specials board. Today's specials included chicken Maryland, or cod bites, and with a free sponge cake thrown in. Instead of either I was tempted by their chicken in sweet chilli sauce open sandwich with side salad. It was great. The side salad included bits of boiled egg, a little bowl of cole slaw, another of grated cheese, lots of stuff. There was plenty of chicken, and two pieces of bread. Six pounds something. Great light and space in here. Some couches, some tables, big seating area with acres of room for buggies, prams or wheelchairs. No steps anywhere, automatic doors. You take a table and they come to bring you menus, and take your order. The building also houses the very good town museum, a room with loads of local historical photos, and exhibition rooms. Dropped in to a show in one by Quadart afterwards, some very colourful paintings. The exhibitions and museum are free to enter.

Sólo 2 miembros del personal que daba la impresión, a los clientes, de estar abrumado. Me encuentro temprano con un grupo de amigos, así que decidimos pedir un café temprano en el mostrador. Tanto los miembros del personal en la cocina para un 5 minutos antes de una parecía y ella me fui a servir una mesa. Ella fue seguido por otro que tomó mi pedido para un espresso doble (2 libras. 50). Dijo que sirven en la mesa, me senté. Noté que usó una jarra de leche para dibujar en la espresso y luego verter en una taza de perder algunos que ella con un paño. Llevaron a mesa, servilleta, sin azúcar. Sólo cuando el azúcar marrón solicitado me preguntó si quería un vaso de agua para acompañar. Mis amigos llegaron y el desayuno era ordenados. Uno de los del personal distribuido cubiertos y servilletas de manipulación de los cuchillos las hojas dejando huellas dactilares por grasiento. Y este es supuestamente un 5 estrellas, las instalaciones de higiene, certificado por Carrickfergus Consejo. Dudo los concejales desbordado necesita para reevaluar su posición en lo referente a la entrega de certificados de higiene. Durante el consumo de comida de un miembro de personal cayó una bandeja llena de cosas en la mesa de al lado rompiendo tazas, platos y creando una piscina de líquido que no fue limpiado por 15 minutos. Un sueño de los reclamantes. Normas de bajar el tubo parece, lo siguiente? Intoxicación alimentaria! Se muda a un nuevo local para la próxima reunión de meses.

We often have coffee and scones in this family run restaurant. The scones are warm and delicious and the staff friendly.

Tenía un buen almuerzo y el servicio era bueno, pero la comida estaba bien, nada especial y estaba bastante frío en el lugar.

Pésima experiencia, quejado especial ser demasiado salada para comer y la camarera se fue. Pedimos el chef que venía y probado la comida y luego pregunté si me gustaría poner la sal en la cena. La comida y las bebidas llegaron después de latte estaba fría cuando se quejaron de esto me dijeron que era culpa nuestra y ponerlo en el microondas para calentar.

One of the best breakfasts we had and very good value for money. Staff were lovely and very friendly, highly recommend it.

Spacious, well priced, good service. Inside De Courcey Centre also adjoining tourist office handy to browse literature of surrounding areas whilst enjoying a snack. Hassle free, good food.

Got no time, no problem here. The Bistro will have it on the table in a flash, freshly fried. Good selection along with drinkable filter coffee. Fry's come either small or large. These fry's do not swim in grease.

Visitamos el pasado lunes (festivos). La comida esperaba café estilo pero decidimos preguntar acerca del pecials'. Especial fue el abadejo sobre una cama de puré crujiente en salsa de gambas con limón y cubiertas con venera y caviar. Calidad de comedor para 10 libras!

Puedes ver los concejales comer aquí, una idea de cómo la comida es buena. Parece que algún café, pero te dan comidas de calidad del restaurante. Hoy tuve una elección de las ofertas especiales, el chili de miel pollo. Verrrry agradable. 9 Ponuds 95 peniques, y tan grande que no pude terminar todo el arroz. Te dan una traybake gratis. No había ninguna habitación, así que me envueltos que y comimos más tarde, en casa. El comedor de alguien conmigo tenía el bacalao. La comida también fue hecha muy generosas porciones de todo, así que me tenían un gusto. Muy bueno, también. Servicio atento, sillas, la comida estaba muy caliente, y Resultado 5 de 5 en su hora de higiene.

Good waiting service, poor kitchen service. Asked for free desert after a wait of fifteen minutes we were told the kitchen was very busy. We then left without it.

I chose the day special which was chicken in puff pastry with broccoli, mash, and gravy. It was very nice. Service was quick. Dessert came for free, there was a choice of 3 kinds of cakes, I had the coconut cake with cream. Everything was £11.95. In the gallery space was a new art show by the Ballycarry Art Club, they had many impressive pictures on show, as well as painted slates, ceramics and necklaces.

I have eaten here on a few occasions and thrall you enjoyed the food and experience. The staff are very helpful in their suggestions of what you may like, If your hungry or just fancy a little snack.I can recomend the fish "n" chips.

Food in this place is really enjoyable. Extensive menu, friendly staff and good surroundings. Have eaten here a few times and would recommend you try it out.

had my lunch here today. had the stew and soda as I wanted something light. the stew was beautiful and the amount was well worth the price. first time in here and my experience has been excellent. will defo call in again and the staff are really friendly

Took my mum and brother here today for breakfast.Ordered 2 of New York Breakfasts and 1 Scrambled egg and toast.Lady serving was polite and efficient.The meals arrived fairly quickly and I think the reason being is that they did not take the time to properly cook the food.I got Scrambled eggs , 2 bacon, 1 sausage, 3 large pancakes, whole mushrooms and half tomato. The scrambled eggs looked lovely and indeed they where the nicest I have tasted in a restaurant in a long time, unfortunately it was let down by the rest of the food on the plate. Pancakes where dry and barely cooked not very warm, mushrooms bordering on raw, the worst I have ever got, how they could serve mushrooms like that is beyond me.Bacon was also very lightly cooked, sausage was OK. Maple syrup was so thin and runny that it soaked into the pancakes very quickly. I am not sure what it is nowadays, but these establishments should be doing everything in their power to get returning clients. Unfortunately this did nothing to entice me back unless they just sold Scrambled eggs.

It was ok, maybe best for tea and a bun. I took my 3 year old daughter there after nursery to get something for lunch. The waitresses were lovely, very friendly and professional. I ordered a sandwich and a toasted bagel with cream cheese for my daughter, it took about 15-20 minutes to come which was strange because there was only 1 other table of people and they already had their food. I wouldn't order the open sandwich again, everything was cold, dry and clearly taken out of packets and put straight on the plate. I ordered chicken and bacon, the chicken and the bacon were both processed looking and more like 'value' sandwich fillers than anything and the wheaten bread was hard and stale. It was disappointing for a sandwich costing £6. My daughter's bagel was unremarkable, just a plain, toasted bagel with cream cheese but at £5, I thought this was extremely overpriced for what it was. I feel that it was under quality food charged at higher than cafe costs and I regretted having my lunch there. With drinks, it cost £15 for the 2 of us and that is nearly double what I would be paying in the much better quality cafes and delis Carrick has to offer. I think next time I'll support someone else's business.

Requested vegetarian meal in advance and was given salmon. When I explained what vegetarian meant I was given potatoes, and veg with chicken stock gravy as a replacement - an inedible meal that cost me £8!!Wouldn't recommend to anyone - manageress/owner was incredibly rude and I certainly won't be back!

Staff very welcoming and attentive. Varied menu,, have not been disappointed yet. Lovely atmosphere, comfy leather sofas if you just call in for a coffee

I like this restaurant, last time I had the days special chicken maryland. The meal was big, but I did not really enjoy it, and it was rather expensive. The place is big and bright and the staff are very attentive. I like the chairs, they are comfortable and they even have some couches. The whole place has lots of room if you have buggies or wheelchairs.

It’s a very cold winter’s day and just at the right time to escape into the Glasshouse Bistro. Actually, I don’t need an excuse or diversion to appear in this delightful, warm and bright sunny chasm in the Civic Centre on Antrim Street as it is my first choice eating place in Carrickfergus. My familiarity of this delightful palace of refreshment tells me exactly where to head for the most comfortable spots. Good eating and comfort are very good partners and I like proving this over and over again at the Glasshouse.My impression of this Bistro conveys a superb choice of Menu and special on the day choices. From a light snack through to a full blown feast, there is something here for everybody. Families are particularly well catered for, including babies.There is a taste sensation in every dish and an ideal place to try something new. Everything is sure to be fresh and top quality. There is everything here a Bistro should have. All of the staff members are a delight and make you feel at ease and important.Everything is absolutely SPOTLESS, clean and tidy. Healthy options catered for, including Vegetarian and Coeliac requirements.People with disabilities are well catered for.Prices may be average but the value is certainly well above average. Disappointment is not on the Menu ! Satisfaction is definitely there ! I thoroughly recommend having a look, taste and check it out if you are in the area !Sure to enjoy !Glasshouse Bistro opening time : 9:00 am. - 5:00 pm. Should the evening time be more convenient to taste their superb cuisine, I would equally advise a visit to the Port of Call in the Carrickfergus Sailing Club beside the harbour on Fridays and Saturdays. Another excellent venue ! 7:00 pm. onward. Bon Apetit !

It is a great pity that this little restaurant is not more visible from the street. You tend to forget that it exists and it is only when you either venture in to pay a visit to the tourist office or go to see one of the many art exhibitions that are on display in one of the rooms in the Civic Centre, that the Glasshouse Bistro catches your eye. I was here with friends that belongs to an art group called TRIART, they are 3 local painters. The group on this occasion were getting the public involved in their art work, painting scenes all to do with Carrickfergus and in aid of Action Cancer. So having our lunch in the Glasshouse Bistro we found it very tasty indeed! Two of us had the small fry and another friend started off with the carrot and coriander soup followed by the New York club sandwich. It looked delicious! The young people serving us were most attentive and polite. Glasshouse Bistro is a place that I will try and visit more often in the future.

Wow, there’s some nasty stuff in other reviews of this place! Here’s my ten cents’ worth. On many visits I have found the staff to be very quick, very attentive, very polite and they definitely DO care about you. Young? Yes, but that's no crime, and in my experience they are good at their jobs. Poor food? Salty? Never, in my experience. In fact the food here is regularly terrific. Today I had their carrot and coriander soup, plus the New York club sandwich. Excellent stuff, and very satisfying. Great ingredients, tasted wonderful. Unadventurous? My dish had prawn crackers and zingy red onion. It was a NY party going on in my mouth. All that, plus a dining area that is hugely spacious and well lit. Add onto that all sorts of free entertainment! It’s coming up to Christmas, so a brass band were in at one point, giving us a tune. In a side room I visited the WW1 exhibition called “Across the Hawthorn Hedge the Noise of Bugles”. For me the star exhibit was a William Conor sketch of two soldiers, one wounded or dying. Very emotive. Other people are probably glad to see all the real relics of the period in glass cases, and yes, they have power too.Just outside I met some church people were giving out free sweets. Yes, please. Out in the main area TRIART, a group of local painters, were doing a fundraiser for Action Cancer, painting all sorts of Carrickfergus things. The Mayor of the city came to paint something, and the press were there taking photos. Great fun, and that continues next Saturday.This restaurant is ideally located in a well-lit, free to enter, central space in the town filled with interesting exhibitions and local groups’ art work. In November the “Education Room” hosted an art show by Jordanstown Art Club. There was a gorgeous picture of sunflowers by Anne McAllister, and some other wonderfully colourful pictures. There are display cases with things including a uniform like the one Prince William wore on his wedding day.So, good food, good service, plus bonus attractions. The Civic Centre is open on weekdays until 5pm, but do note they shut earlier on Saturdays, at 4pm.

I had lunch with a friend here and found them to be polite and efficient. We both had scrambled egg and brown bread. Whilst eating a brass band came into the Civic Centre, where the bistro is and played which is lovely. I plan to look at their featured World War One exhibition in a room in the centre and the upcoming art shows. Next week there is supposed to be live art in the Civic Centre too which will be great for Carrickfergus.

I had my lunch there during some time in Carrick with my family. The place is quite nice actually - brightly lit and spacious and welcoming. Lots of space for kids to run around if they are the running-around stage :) Food was OK but not outstanding. Some things we initially ordered were not available so the process involved a few rounds of changing the details but the staff did it in a really nice and friendly manner. The burger was properly filling, the chips a bit on the flabby side, bagel had to be gluten-free so unfortunately too doughy but all in all we were fed and watered and my wee son enjoyed his lunch. The payment is cash only.

Because of a bereavement I had to contact Lorraine at very short notice. She catered for me in my own home for over 20 mourners. The food was perfect, her daughter served and even cleaned up. I would recommend the Glass House Bistro for both the Bistro and the outside catering.

I visited this cafe-restaurant again recently. I was interested to read the other reviews here which are all credible. I have been here on a few occasions and the best that can be said is that both the food and service are 'hit and miss'. This may go some way to explain the apparently contradictory reviews.On my most recent visit I had to wait for over ten minutes to have my order taken and even then I had to call the waitress over to the table (if I hadn't done so I have the feeling I might still be sitting there to this day). I had to make an additional request to have the table cleared of cups and saucers. It was a further twenty minutes for the food to arrive after ordering, so a total wait of thirty minutes +.During these thirty minutes or so I had the opportunity to observe what I think are some of the problems in this cafe. Firstly. there was an appearance that no-one was in overall charge coordinating the actions of staff and directing them. It just looked like some individuals each doing their own thing with little evidence of structure or teamwork. An element of chaos prevailed.Secondly, the staff members seemed to be mostly young, inexperienced and poorly trained in the restaurant or hospitality industries. I was not made to feel welcome and no-one came to take my order voluntarily. To be honest, I did get the feeling that I and the other customers were an inconvenience to the staff for turning up. This is echoed in previous reviews here.Finally, the quality of the food was mediocre. I had steak, and although I had asked for it to be well done, I think that even one more minute under the grill would have turned it into a diamond.On the above basis I cannot recommend this establishment to others and it is unlikely that I would return again, at least not for something as complicated as lunch.Try one of the other eateries in Carrickfergus, overall it's unlikely you could do any worse.

Went today with my child. My food tasted of nothing but salt! Totally overpowered. Mentioned it when paying and was told in future I've to ask for no salt! Pity the chef wasn't aware how to season!!! I was also told that as I asked to swap the bacon on my child's dish for a sausage they would on this occasion not charge me ??? Too many young staff trying to work whilst older staff glare menacingly at them. Not a pleasant experience. Don't waste your money

Not only did I have to wait at my table for a menu for 15 minute's, but the staff were rude. I was served by probably the happiest staff member there, and he only smiled once. My two girls food was fine. My tuna sandwich was the worst tuna,the worst sandwich I have ever had. Tuna was really strong and extremely dark. Encased in the crispiest hardest bread ever. Something like bread that's been toasted and left out for a few hours. Sent it back. No response or apology for me. Just a bundle of non smiling staff behind the counter glaring at me as if it was the first complaint and food return that they have ever had. ... yet still they had the cheek to charge me for the privilege of that sandwich.

I took my mother here for a bit of lunch.. The lady asking what we wanted was very abrupt. We only asked for a tuna sandwich each on brown bread and a bottle of coke. The tuna sandwich came down on stale WHITE bread and we were brought a pot of tea. When I said how we didn't order tea we asked for a soft drink the woman just tutted. Will not be here again.

Asked for their daily special - chilli chicken with chips and salad. Their daily specials are VERY good. I liked this one. You get a free dessert with the special, so I had lemon meringue pie. With that you get fresh cream or ice cream. I had a ball of ice cream.The staff are always well turned-out in their hats/aprons/uniforms. Just take a seat, they come over to your table. Very polite and attentive, even to oddballs like the three of us in TRIART. We’re three artists. Long story. We went there for a meeting.As a place to eat or meet the Glasshouse Bistro is great. The roof is all glass, so everywhere is bright. The dining area is vast, like a ballroom. Do be sure to look around the Civic Centre when you eat here. This time there was a very impressive life-size cardboard WWII tank, made by school children. Adjoining exhibition spaces have shows that change each month. The Carrick Museum is in here, too.

Was in the restaurant today after a lovely day in the town with the armed forces day display. Today I had a lovely lunch with my friend and her child the staff were very attentive as they seen we had a small child and a female staff member carried a high chair to my table I found the staff very friendly and polite while at the till a blonde lady in a chef jacket approached me and asked me was everything ok with my food I felt the staff showed great pride in their jobs.

Rude staff and greasy food. Not nice. Lovely surroundings but grubby. Menu is extensive but expensive. There are better places to eat in the town.

I had a lovely lunch here today with friends. Myself and a friend had the chilli chicken with chips and salad, as pictured and another friend had a bacon bap and coke, pictured. We had large portions and the staff were friendly and attentive. We had a free dessert with this meal deal and we picked lemon meringue and ice cream. The Bistro was brightly lit with a lot of natural light from the glass roof. I hope to visit again soon with my children. There are a variety of exhibitions on in the building too all year around which are worth a visit.

As a local I have eaten here a number of times. Always great food, polite staff, great location, good value.

I've eaten here several times, and I'm shocked at how great the food is. You think it's a cafe, but you get glorious restaurant food. One odd thing: they asked why I was taking pictures. "For Tripadvisor!" I replied. But I stopped - I dunno why they'd care. Regardless the place is huge and airy and light streams in from the glass roof of the Civic Centre way above. You'll often see the town's councillors eating here - if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for you! Great food, do try whatever special is on for the day. Great soup, great scones, very attentive service.

Incredible food for reasonable price and very polite staff although After a lovely meal with exceptional service I approached the till to pay and the young man who served me proceeded to sum up my bill before the manager (who I later found out to be the owners wife) began shouting in the young mans face for a minor mistake he made on the till. Extremely unprofessional of her to speak to her staff in that way and to do so in front of a paying customer is ridiculous. The glasshouse bistro would get a 5 star rating in my books if she hadn't have made me feel so awkward and uncomfortable at the end of my lunch.

My wife had the sea bass and I had the homemade pie. This has been quite a few times I have been in and found plenty of things to chose from on the menu and the daily specials. My wife and I will return as we can't wait to see their new menu they have coming out as the food is outstanding I have never been in a place in Carrickfergus were I found staff and the managers so polite and it has a lovely atmosphere.

went in for coffee. never in my life have i heard a lady owner speak to her staff in the way she did. rude nasty to her staff. owner never smiles. don't think she should own a coffee shop. there is more personality in my shoe! never be back again. horrible atmosphere and think they should learn how 2 run a coffee shop right!

I visited this establishment in late February of this year. It was a midweek lunchtime and surprisingly busy given it being term time still. Staff seemed rushed off their feet however still somehow found the time to have a table reserved at the side of the seating area where they would stand around and talk when they had the chance. Visited with a friend of the waitress serving us. I ordered the 'fresh' chicken goujons with chips. Large portion nevertheless however the quality of chicken seemed dire. The batter surrounding the chicken was soggy and undercooked in my eyes and to my disgust found a bloody vein half way through the meal. My friend called our waitress over and I explained my find hoping to even be offered a different meal because I was totally put off. The girl simply said that the chickens just bought in so they don't know it is there. I was still charged a ridiculous £7+ for a meal that was inedible. Don't think I will be returning in a hurry.

I have eaten here over six times in the past year and find the food presentation excellent, portions substantial, quality ingredients and cooked to a high standard.Staff have always been friendly and attentive. The restaurant is located in the tourist/visitor centre which hosts interesting exhibitions and the tables are placed under a high glass roof. Well worth a visit.

Ive been quite a few times and always found the young staff very pleasent and attentive. The chefs certainly know what they are doing in my opinion because everytime I order something, its always very nice and well presented. The portions are good and I think its really good value. I will be back.

Always a good quick service with friendly staff. Food is lovely and good value for money. Would recommend to anyone.

Food not too bad but the staff are something else ,the owners wife who seems to do everything should not be front line if she's not happy working let someone else a bit more welcoming have the job I foe one will vote with my feet and go else where .

The food is passable, not great and certainly no where near the best available in Carrick.What really puts me of going back is the staff. The woman who served us (who I've since found out is the owner's wife) looked at us as if we were something the cat dragged in. Daring to order food only seemed to annoy her even more, we were a problem to get out of the way as soon as possible, not valued customers.My advice is to give them what they want, an empty cafe for them to enjoy without troublesome customers. There are plenty of other eateries in Carrick where the food is better and the staff are genuinely happy you are there.

Not child friendly at all. Tables disgusting with grease & dirt - the staff especially owner was very unhelpful & obviously does not care about pleasing her customers, extremely long wait for food which was not for human consumption for further details contact my doctor. :( will not be back

Food is smashing but the staff are miserable and the owners are grumpy! Not a nice atmosphere. Staff are rushing about and haven't got the time of day for the customers .

was in the bistro today and had a lovely freshly cooked lunch consisting smoked haddock done in bread crumbs with a spicy creamy prawn sauce follow by homemade apple pie with fresh cream was also offered it with ice cream and custard served warm or cold. Glad to see that the bistro serves freshly cooked food along with fresh vegetables. The waiting staff were very attentive and meet all of our needs with a high frendily service. Will be back very soon Reccomend that you should call in and have a taste of their mouth watering food

I visit this Bistro at least once a fortnight and travel 16 miles to do so, the waiting staff are warm and friendly and nothing is a problem, i recently booked a table for my mothers birthday (it is a walk in restaurant) and when we arrived we had a very pleasant young lady look after us, got us water, informed us of the daily specials with great enthusasim which made our mouths water! The food is a mile above the rest anywhere in carrickfergus all freshly prepared and exploding with flavours. I have came for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, the homemade scones are a must!

Soup always very salty. Serves the usual range of fries and deep fried food. Prices for daily specials are not displayed on blackboard menu. Specials are expensive. All prices have raced ahead of inflation. Staff start closing down parts of the floor area as soon as lunch is over - apparently keen to get away. There appears to be an enormous number of staff in and outside kitchen. They sit eating, at a table for 6, while customers sit waiting. Paying these wages must account for the ever increasing prices - up 25% over past year or so - eg omlette up from £4 to £5. Don't be too ambitious, choose carefully, and you should be ok. If you want fried food and chips you will be well satisfied - but even the bacon is nearly cold.