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Restore your faith in humanity - The Dock Honesty Box Café - Belfast

We are constantly told on the news that we are living in an unstable world and all of these terrible events can sometimes make us feel disillusioned. However, if you are ever in need of a reminder that people are kind and are capable of wonderful things, head straight to The Dock Café- an honesty box café in Belfast.


You may think that it's crazy to say a cup of tea can restore your faith in humanity but hear me out. The main principle of the café is that there are no prices. Visitors just make a donation for the tea and cake that they have consumed. 

An initiative based on honesty is such a unique and rewarding enterprise. The Dock Café  is now in its third year of business so honesty clearly works. In fact, Rev. Chris Bennett, the chaplain who helped set up the café, believes that they are making more money through donations than they would charging £1.95 for a coffee. This unusual project is run by volunteers and a church group to bring together communities in Belfast which is particularly admirable given Belfast's troubled past. The religious element is low key so everyone can enjoy the café no matter what they believe in. 

Not only is this initiative great proof of the kindness of strangers but it is also a genuinely good café. There is a great selection of loose leaf tea. I particularly enjoyed the Mango Tango tea with a marvelous homemade maleteser slice. People are also encouraged to bring along their own food just to enjoy The Dock as a space to hang out. It certainly is one of the cosiest places I have ever been to. The whole place is filled with mismatched furniture and art installations making the space feel like your own home.

The café is really close to the Titanic Museum so you can combine a visit to both places.

I cannot stress enough how special The Dock Café is with its wonderful ethic, interior and of course cake! This fantastic project just goes to show that cake can restore your faith in humanity. 


The Titanic sign is made out of  recycled metal including bike chains and screwdrivers.

For more information on The Dock Café click here.





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