Apart from a small board outside the building advertising it, you would almost not know Chaplain's Food Bar existed. Located at 28 Elmwood Avenue it's part of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen's University Belfast. Anyone can call in and use the Food Bar during its opening hours of 12pm - 2pm, Monday to Friday, as it's not just for students. Offerings are simple but really great and fresh; sandwiches, toasties, wraps, soups, stews plus tea or coffee.
You order your food at the sandwich bar or help yourself to soup, tea and coffee. There are signs up giving suggested prices and instead of a till there are a couple of 'Honesty Boxes' for you to drop your money into. Therefore you can leave the cost of your meal or donate a bit more with the idea being that if some people kindly donate more, anyone who can't afford a meal or coffee can through the overpayment. 'Pay it Forward' and 'Random Acts of Kindness' are concepts I have heard of, however this is the first time I've actually seen such ideas in operation and working so brilliantly. Here they call it a 'Trust Lunch'.
What I like in particular about this spot is the fact that there aren't too many gaudy, loud religious signs and posters on display. Instead Chaplain's is much more subtle and not being a religious person this really appeals to me. You can go into this elegant little café and relax without necessarily feeling you are in a religious space. A really beautiful area with a calm, tranquil feel plus there's a fabulous outside seated area right in the centre of the building populated with trees and plants. This 'secret garden' is a glorious suntrap on a sunny day.
I've called in on a couple of occasions, finding one day very busy and bustling with crowds at 1pm, however today at 12pm (Wednesday 20/04/2016) it was peaceful and calm. I ordered a cheese salad sandwich with a tea which was tasty, filling and super fresh. There are lots of comfortable tables, chairs and sofas to relax in. Plus a snooker/ pool table, TV, piano and a shelf of board games if you so wish to entertain yourself. I was able to log into Wi-Fi and use it, although I'm not sure if it was Chaplain's own Wi-Fi or not. A really beautiful café in terms of concept, food, service, decor and ambiance. Well-deserving of top marks and a full 5 star rating, a heavenly place! read more