A Review of Cameron’s Cafe and Deli

A fabulous lunch at Camerons Café and Deli

Camerons Landscapes and Garden Centre

148 Ballylesson Road

Belfast BT8 8JU

I wouldn’t automatically think of a garden centre as a venue for lunch but I will make an exception for Cameron’s. If you don’t know it, you can find it on the Ballylesson Road just outside Belfast. It was opened in 1968 but has been completely refurbished in the last couple of years.

It’s in a lovely setting with everything you could want for the home or garden and a lot more besides, particularly in the gift shop. The café can be reached through a tranquil little courtyard which is perfect to sit in on a sunny day.

It’s a self-service set up which isn’t my favourite but I can understand that logistically this is easiest. It also provides an opportunity to see the choices on offer up close which does help
I chose the Grilled Goat’s Cheese salad with preserved figs and toasted walnuts. This was a fabulous choice. The grilled cheese was creamy and delicious and the toasted walnuts added a complementary crunch. When I read the menu board, I wasn’t convinced about the thought of preserved figs in a salad but I admit I am converted. To my shame, I have never actually eaten figs as the very idea takes me back to the much despised fig roll biscuits of my childhood! (Anyone remember them or are they actually still available?) Anyway, these preserved figs were amazing, adding a sweet tang to the salad. Leaves, tomatoes and beetroot added colour and flavour but best of all was the addition of tiny berry like vegetables that looked like a cross between a tiny tomato and pepper. I made a point of asking the waitress and she advised me that these are actually Roquito peppers. She also told me that she gets asked this question several times a day! She helpfully advised me that they can be found in Tesco but I haven’t managed to find them yet!

Anyway, back to lunch. My companion chose the ham and cheese omelette which came served with a salad and looked pretty good. I have to say that the roquito peppers in the salad were also commented on and thoroughly enjoyed!
After a refreshing cup of Suki breakfast tea, we headed off for a wander around the shop and garden centre and bought a few things that we really didn’t need but had to have!
This is definitely worth a visit, if only to try the roquito peppers!

Our bill:

Grilled goat’s cheese salad- £8.95

Ham and cheese omelette- £7.95

Suki tea- £2.00 per pot

Cameron’s address:148 Ballylesson Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 8JU