Some places make you feel at home the moment you walk through the door.
The Regency Café in Newtownards is one of those rare gems, where the hum of conversation, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the clatter of plates create a symphony that’s both comforting and invigorating.
On a brisk Saturday morning, I decided to pay a visit to this beloved institution, a cornerstone of the local community.
Stepping Back in Time
The Regency Café’s exterior is delightfully understated, with a simple sign that feels like a nod to its decades-long history.
Inside, it’s a celebration of vintage charm—checkered tiles, wooden tables, and an old-school menu board that’s delightfully free of pretension. The atmosphere is warm and bustling, with a steady stream of regulars greeting the staff by name.
Breakfast: The Heart of the Experience
No visit to the Regency Café is complete without diving into their legendary breakfast. The Full Ulster Fry is the star of the menu, a plate piled high with sausages, bacon, eggs, soda bread, potato bread, black pudding, and baked beans.
My Order:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Ulster Fry | A hearty and perfectly balanced plate of breakfast staples. |
| Cup of Tea | Strong and served in a classic white mug. |
| Fresh Scone | Light, fluffy, and served with butter and jam. |
The meal was a revelation. Each bite tasted like tradition, a reminder of the care and craft that goes into simple, honest food. The soda bread, toasted just right, was the perfect vehicle for the salty-sweet black pudding.
The People Make the Place
What truly sets the Regency Café apart is the sense of community. The staff—friendly, efficient, and genuinely warm—make everyone feel like a regular.
Overheard snippets of conversation revealed the café’s role as a social hub, where stories are shared, and laughter is abundant.
One of the staff members, Anna, shared a bit of history about the café. “We’ve been here for over 50 years,” she said with a proud smile. “It’s not just a café; it’s part of Newtownards’ heart.”
Afternoon Delights
Though breakfast reigns supreme, the Regency Café’s afternoon offerings deserve their own spotlight.
From steaming bowls of homemade soup to generous slices of Victoria sponge cake, the menu transitions seamlessly from hearty to indulgent.
Afternoon Favorites:
| Item | Description |
| Victoria Sponge Cake | Fluffy, light, and generously filled with cream and jam. |
| Homemade Soup | Served with crusty bread, a perfect comfort food. |
| Cappuccino | Rich, smooth, and a great companion to any dessert. |
Why Regency Café Endures
There’s a certain magic to places like the Regency Café. It’s not just about the food—though the food is undeniably excellent.
It’s about the feeling you get when you’re there, the way it transports you to a simpler time and reminds you of the joy in small, everyday rituals.
For anyone visiting Newtownards, the Regency Café isn’t just a stop—it’s a destination. And for the locals, it’s a cherished institution, as much a part of the town as the streets themselves.
So next time you find yourself in this corner of Northern Ireland, take a moment to step inside, order a cup of tea, and let the Regency Café work its timeless magic. You might just find yourself staying longer than you planned.
