Ciara S.
Yelp
I dropped into The Pocket today to try it out and was impressed. Located on University Road directly facing Queen's University Belfast, The Pocket as its name suggests, is a tiny independent coffee shop. Décor is minimal with tiny wooden tables and chairs (not the comfiest), free Wi-Fi, a warm atmosphere and chatty staff (really excellent service). I never know when somewhere is considered 'hipster' or not, but reckon this café definitely would fit the bill.
Menu is small with a few breakfast/ lunch options e.g. toast, sandwiches and porridge etc. I ordered an Americano (£2.60) and poached eggs with relish on sourdough (£4.00). The Americano was small for the price but exceptionally good. My food was good but perhaps a tad lacking in taste. I often think sourdough is quite a bland bread which this was, plus the homemade beetroot relish definitely lacked flavour. It was really just mashed beetroot and needed more sharpness, spice and seasoning to help lift the dish overall. However the poached eggs were cooked to perfection and the food looked great on the plate when served to me.
I will return to The Pocket as I want try their porridge and sandwiches, plus I have heard great reports about the brunch waffles they serve on Saturdays. A very good café overall, but maybe my choice of food today wasn't the best for my personal taste. I noticed a couple of customers calling in for takeaway coffees and as I am often around Queen's Quarter will do this myself in future. I would recommend The Pocket to others plus it's great to see such a distinctive, stylish and independent coffee shop opening in this area.