Brights Fish & Chips

This place seems to have been around for eons and judging by the numbers that are in, it’s going stronger than ever. It’s basically a big, slightly more upmarket chippy with a load of other dishes available as well. There’s quite a lot of seating which I personally think is a bit cheap and doesn’t reflect the prices charged but then again if the fish and chips are good I’d gladly sit on an empty crate.
Talking of which the fish and chips are excellent, this is normally my default eaterie if I’ve been to the pub for a few and I’m kidding myself I’m going to have some thing ‘proper’ instead of just hitting a trad chippy.
There’s normally a funny mix of folks in as well, brickies, businessmen, shoppers, old dears, students, tourists. That’s all part of the appeal and signifies how well regarded this place is.
Pros: Great fish and chips. Staff are great.
Cons: Not the healthiest option but you knew that already.

This is one of three Brights establishments, two restaurants in town and one takeaway in North Belfast. Out of all three I can positively say this is my least favourite. When you walk by, the extractor fan blows its fantastic aroma into your face and you feel you need to go in and experience the food. But that’s where it stops. It’s always rammed full of people and you can queue for quite a while before getting a seat. The staff don’t seem able to cope with the volume of people and on more than one occasion we were left waiting around for quite sometime before even getting served. On top of that, for the Café fare that they sell, the prices are huge! There are a number of places on the same street that do the same food, with better customer service at better prices.

Brights is an award winning chip shop located in the city centre and after experiencing it for the first time recently, I can empathise with the judging panel. They are famed for two main dishes; fish and chips and a big old fry. The fish and chips are excellent, beating my old favourite AM: PM on Botanic Avenue. The portion sizes are huge and more than likely will encourage you to give up on shopping and just go to the pub (as if i need any encouragement…)
The staff are very polite although because it was lunchtime and the town had it’s annual afternoon of sunshine, we were kept waiting for about 20 minutes before the food came out.
Though in saying that, it was well worth the wait because the food was excellent. Everything is local and homemade, and I will certainly go back, but hopefully not while its so busy.

Bright’s is a traditional café that does everything you could wish for after a busy day shopping in the city centre. I really enjoy going to this place to relax for a bit and get some good proper food. I have to say that the favourite thing to get here is the American Fry. It was suggested to me by my girlfriend and I have to admit I was initially hesitant (Maple syrup on your bacon?!). But I now see what all the hype is about.
It has a good range of specials as well, often consisting of a catch of the day and some sort of hotpot or stew, which is always good on a cold wintery day.
The prices in here are the most competitive for anywhere in the city centre so it is certainly advisable if you are looking for something tasty on a budget.