OpenMaureens Chippy
45 Broughshane St, Ballymena BT43 6EB, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Secret Garden Cafe
The Secret Garden Cafe is a hidden gem tucked within the scenic ECOS Centre, nestled in 150 acres of lush parkland. Just five minutes from Ballymena's town center, this coffee shop brings together nature and great food. With an inviting atmosphere and a menu that caters to all tastes, it serves hot and cold breakfasts, tantalizing lunches, and delightful afternoon teas. Known especially for its scrumptious traybakes, it's the perfect spot to relax after a refreshing country walk or when your kids have exhausted themselves at the nearby playpark. Open daily, the café offers excellent service and a cozy ambiance, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Discover The Secret Garden Cafe, a hidden gem in Ballymena nestled within 150 acres of stunning parkland at the ECOS Centre. Just five minutes from the town center, this charming café welcomes you every day for a delightful range of hot and cold breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and scrumptious afternoon teas, all crafted daily on-site. Known for its delectable traybakes, it's the perfect place to relax after a scenic country walk or a fun outing at the nearby play park. With options for outdoor seating, takeaway, and catering services for events, The Secret Garden Cafe is your ideal retreat for delicious food and good company.Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
The warm customer service consistently earns high praise, creating an inviting atmosphere where guests feel valued and welcomed. Friendly interactions from the staff make every visit feel special.
Many visitors rave about the café's fantastic traybakes, with their homemade quality setting them apart. A particular hit among patrons is the wide selection of breakfast options, especially the '5k Breakfast' for those needing a hearty start to their day.
The café's location within the park is another highlight. After a morning run or a family outing, enjoying a delightful coffee and dessert surrounded by nature is unbeatable. Perfect for dog lovers, the outdoor seating allows pets to enjoy the fresh air alongside their owners.
Most Disliked
While guests often leave satisfied, some have noted inconsistencies in food temperature, such as cold plates leading to quickly cooled meals. Ensuring food is served hot remains an area for improvement.
Another point of feedback relates to the café's busy times. During peak hours, service might slow down, leading to a wait that's longer than expected. Planning visits during quieter times can enhance the overall experience.
Despite the charm of its location, the café’s outdoor seating may not be ideal for everyone, especially on cooler or rainy days, which could limit options for some guests looking for comfort.
User Reviews
CF
Ceara F.
Complmemts to Marie Louise and Naomi for the friendliest service. The girls are always chatting to customers and full of smiles! I believe I have just received the first Christmas loaded Chip of the festive season and my goodness it tasted delicious! The stuffing was homemade and just unreal, the turkey and ham was beautiful. Best of all.... they serve Barry's tea!!!! ☕ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ja
Jason
Always have an amazing time when I go here, it is dog friendly and all the staff are so friendly, Wednesday is one of the best days to go because it’s their fish day
BG
Book G.
We got outside catering for family event . Sandwiches were delicious and homemade traybakes such a hit
LS
Lynda S.
Well named The Secret Garden. Hidden among the trees with birdsong and flowers. Friendly service and excellent food. Thankyou so much
RK
Rodney K.
Just had a lovely bite of lunch in The Secret Garden Cafe, Ballymena. This was my first visit since it reopened. I was very impressed by their extensive menu, I especially enjoyed their bake potato. The only downside was the bowl was stone cold making my food cool down quickly. All in all, I had a lovely meal; looking forward to returning.
SD
Sarah D.
Fresh & high quality food, the chef is amazing. Love the different food-of-the-day options. Great service. Loved the outdoor seating area, designed beautifully inside too. Accessible for all abilities. Child & pet friendly. Will 100% be back.
MD
Mystery D.
Welcoming a new member of our team in work we called at the Secret Garden cafe situated in the Ecos Centre in Ballymena yesterday. Some amazing freshly baked goodies were on offer. Lovely a clean establishment and my Barry's Gold tea was amazing 😍 they even had soya milk. Will be calling again and going for a lovely scenic walk to burn off the calories. Fab company, food and of course tea what more could you ask for especially when the boss was paying!!
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Secret Garden Cafe offers a variety of meals including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and a selection of treats for afternoon tea. Popular dishes include hearty breakfasts and saucy paninis.
Yes, The Secret Garden Cafe has outdoor seating where customers can enjoy their meals surrounded by nature.
Be sure to try the 5k and 10k breakfasts, along with their freshly baked scones and fantastic traybakes. For lunch, the chicken goujons and bao buns with teriyaki jackfruit are excellent choices.
Absolutely! The cafe has a dedicated children’s menu featuring crispy chicken goujons and sausages served with skinny fries.
The price range for meals at The Secret Garden Cafe typically falls between £10 to £20, making it affordable for a variety of dining occasions.
Yes, The Secret Garden Cafe is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking, seating, and toilets.
Why visit The Secret Garden Cafe
Visiting The Secret Garden Cafe means enjoying quality food in a relaxing, picturesque environment. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a jog, a casual meetup with friends, or a family outing, this café is perfect for all scenarios.
A special tip is to visit on Wednesdays for their famed fish dish, an event that draws in regulars for a reason. Don't miss out on their traybakes, which are highly recommended and often the talk of the café. Additionally, on sunny days, the outdoor seating enhances the experience, creating a beautiful backdrop accompanied by birdsong and greenery.
Lastly, the café’s ability to accommodate events ranging from small meetings to larger gatherings makes it a versatile choice, ensuring it’s more than just a stop for coffee. The Secret Garden Cafe combines a warm community spirit with great food, making it a must-visit in Ballymena.
