Pug Uglys Serves Up Exceptional Sunday Carvery in Belfast

Pug Uglys, a well-known establishment in Belfast City Centre, has reintroduced its Sunday carvery, attracting diners looking for a hearty meal. This venue, which has operated since 2018 under the Clover Group, has a reputation for being dog-friendly and has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors. My recent visit, coinciding with a long-overdue catch-up with friends, proved to be an excellent choice for a weekend gathering.

Upon arriving just after 13:00, the ambience was unexpectedly quiet, with only a few tables occupied. However, within 15 minutes, the restaurant filled rapidly, indicating that pre-booking is essential for those hoping to secure a seat. The first thing that captures your attention inside is the impressive island bar, stocked with a variety of spirits, beers, and ciders, which sets a welcoming tone for the space. The warm interiors and screens showing women’s rugby contributed to a relaxed Sunday atmosphere.

Diners had the option to choose two meats from roast beef, turkey, or ham, accompanied by traditional trimmings such as roast and mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cocktail sausages, mixed vegetables, and cauliflower cheese. Personally, I opted for turkey and ham, while my friends selected beef and ham. To drink, I chose a Southern Comfort and lemonade, while my companions, one driving and the other moderating alcohol intake, selected non-alcoholic Corona 00.

Desserts were an absolute must for our group. I was intrigued by the Sticky Toffee and Hazelnut Pavlova, convincing a friend to share this choice, while another opted for the classic chocolate brownie with ice cream. Customer service was commendable from the outset. I had initially reserved a table for two but called an hour prior to our arrival to change it to three. The staff accommodated this request without hesitation. Special recognition goes to Amy-Leigh, who appeared to be the manager. Her welcoming demeanor, explanation of the carvery system, and attentive check-ins enhanced our dining experience. Notably, she also offered a 10 percent discount on our bill as a gesture for a minor delay in dessert service, which we had hardly noticed.

The food itself did not disappoint. Each of us received generous portions, with four slices of meat per plate. The turkey was particularly moist, a positive surprise for a carvery. The roast beef was equally well-prepared, and the homemade roast potatoes stood out as a delightful alternative to the frozen varieties often found in similar establishments. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the gravy, which was rich and flavorful, enhancing each bite.

Desserts rounded out our experience beautifully. The pavlova was light yet sturdy, featuring delicate meringue, soft cream, and indulgent caramel sauce. I even mentioned to the staff that I would return just for that dessert. The brownie lived up to its decadent reputation.

One area of improvement noted was the stuffing, which, while flavorful, had a dominating sage taste that overshadowed the other elements on the plate. This was a common sentiment among my dining companions.

The carvery is priced at £16.50, with desserts costing £7. My drink was £8.10, and the Corona 00s were priced at £5 each. Our total would have been £88.60, but with the discount, it came to £79.74. This pricing felt fair for the quality and quantity of food served, especially when compared to other Sunday roasts in Belfast.

Overall, Pug Uglys delivered a satisfying Sunday lunch that exceeded expectations. The relaxed atmosphere, exceptional service, and generous, flavorful food make it a strong contender for anyone looking to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family. Despite minor issues with the stuffing, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Rating: 4/5 stars.