5A Lockview Road

What a great little place this is. My wife took me in here a couple of days ago as we came up to town to start our Christmas shopping, (yeah, I’m that well prepared!!!).
It’s so small I almost didn’t see it and then when I did it looked like there were no seats to be had inside, but upon closer inspection there was a space for 2! It took us to go in to see that there was a small counter just inside the door behind the coffee machine with 2 high bar stool type seats to sit on. This really was making the best use of limited seating.
So we ordered, I got an Americano and a croissant and my wife had a latte and fancy tray bake, (the exact type of which alludes me just now). Well, they were great, the croissant was fresh and the jam that came with it was amazing, it was definitely a cut above what you would expect from most places, I love it when a café goes the extra mile with the simple stuff and makes sure the produce is good across the range. The coffee (my main area of interest in most cafes) was excellent and very well flavoured and full bodied with the bitterness well controlled.
My wife’s latte and the tray bake were also excellent, the latte was well presented in a proper latte glass (something I’ve notice a few places have failed to do recently) and the tray bake was great, really great. Properly baked to give texture and flavour and not just rely on throwing a load of sugar in.
Although the little bar counter we sat at was very small (almost a shelf) and close to the door, there was still enough space to set down everything we needed and not be jostled by other people coming and going through the front door. We were only in for a quick bite so it was Ok but I’d guess that if you were going at a more leisurely pace it might be a little difficult to remain comfortable. The other tables and seating arrangements looked fine though, and despite the size remained un cramped looking. It was wet outside, but weather permitting there are a few tables outside that would be a pleasure to sit I think. Finally the staff were lovely and very friendly.
Overall the space albeit cosy when filled to a certain point just looses out that last star, but over all its 5 star food and service with just what would be seen as cosy for many may just be cramped for others.

Now famous for the pedestrian safety videos, and random Jon Snow sightings, this coffee is actually pretty good on its own. The outdoor seating is nice even in chilly days thanks to the awning and while the rustic inside it atmospheric, it can feel more than a little cramped. The coffee is pretty good as well and the milk isn’t overdone or burnt like many places. Good coffee may be the one thing Jon Snow does know.

Fantastic coffee and food. Great service. Daily specials are always worth trying. Staff are really nice and enthusiastic about everything they do. Well worth a visit.

Love love love this place. Amazing coffee, food and design. A hang out for mums and strollers, hipsters, old and young. A definite place to try. Right beside a fruit shop that also sells flowers which scent the café beautifully. Had one of their famous protein balls today OMG to die for. And I hear they are opening another place in newtonards road somewhere. Will definitely travel to check that out.