Service: 4/10
Food: 5/10
Recommended For: Business Meetings
The Robinson & Cleaver building in Belfast has long been remembered for it's sweeping staircase and up-market wares. It re-opened on Monday, after having closed its doors in 1984, in the form of the new Robinson & Cleaver Urban Deli and 'The Terrace', Belfast's latest rooftop restaurant.
On entering, a very eager greeter awaited to usher customers into the deli and regrettably inform of the wait for the Terrace (as tables can only be booked in the evenings and for tables of six or more). As it has only been opened for a few days, they are amidst a 'service regulation' regime - meaning the restaurant is only half full at any one time. One would assume this is to ensure the few customers that are being served are receiving stellar service, but it seems regulating their service isn't doing the trick.
We were seated swiftly in the restaurant, drinks orders were taken and food menus delivered. A menu of Dundrum mussels, sustainable fish pie and "the terrace steak sandwich" boasting locally sourced produce was promising, however after waiting 20 minutes for our order to be taken, our excitement had somewhat ebbed. This wasn't helped by the fact that while waiting we had also received the incorrect drinks. When a waitress finally arrived, we asked how long the food was taking to come from the kitchen, "not longer than 20 minutes,.provided you don't order a well-done steak sandwich that is!" was the response. We ordered the Glenarm shorthorn burger along with the mussels, and after much confusion over whether or not they actually had any left, a side of skinny fries. The delivery was surprisingly swift for a lunchtime service, but we didn't receive the burger as we'd ordered - but a well-done steak sandwich. We were lavished with apologies and although they were quick to fix any mistakes that were made, it didn't excuse the sheer volume of them.
The burger, while well cooked was but a fraction of the size of the bun that it arrived in and was served with a small portion of relish on the side, resulting in an overall very dry burger experience. The mussels, normally served with a thin white wine sauce or garlic butter, were dished up in a thick roux. While this was a novel take, the sauce was completely flavourless and unseasoned, in no way complimenting the flavours of the Dundrum staple. The mussels were accompanied by two slices of sourdough bread, one slice of which was stale and the skinny fries which had eventually been located were of the frozen, store-bought variety.
View from the Terrace
I had high hopes for this new restaurant, following such successful new launches in Belfast such as Ox, but I was thoroughly underwhelmed. I will still give the Urban Deli a fair shake as its fresh fruit juices, sandwiches and salad bar looked tempting and reasonably priced. As for the Terrace, I'll maybe visit again in a few months when it has found it's feet, but for now, it's sayonara from me.
Robinson & Cleaver
1-3 Donegall Square N, Belfast
Urban Deli: 028 9031 2538
The Terrace: 028 9031 2666
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