After a morning of shopping, there is nothing better than dropping your bags and grabbing a bite to eat to recharge, so we decided to head to M&S Café in Coventry. We visited while at Arena Shopping Park on Monday (July 8).
It was nice and quiet so we managed to grab a table in the corner and looked at the new menu items, which included a mouthwatering range of drinks, from a Tiramisu Iced Latte to a Tropical Smoothie. Also on the menu was a Chicken and Basil Pesto Salad and a Feta and Fruity Couscous Salad.
We decided to go for some feel-good favourites in the form of a Gastropub Fish and Chips and Chicken Burger and Chips, washing them down with a Magic Coffee, a Cookies and Cream Milkshake, and a Tropical Smoothie. And of course, it would be rude not to grab a sweet treat, so I opted for a Double Chocolate Muffin.
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We had our food delivered to our table in under 10 minutes, and I tucked into the Gastropub Fish and Chips. It came with a generous pile of chunky chips, and there was plenty of sweet petit pois as well as a ramekin of sauce, which was great value for £8.95.
I was impressed that the thick piece of steaming hot fish was pearly white with large flakes, and the batter was crunchy and greaseless, with everything looking as good as it tasted. I would definitely have this again and would recommend giving it a try if you are looking for a bite to eat at M&S.
We also tried the Southern Fried Chicken Tender Burger and Chips. It came on a brioche bun, dressed with garlic mayonnaise and gherkins, and was priced at £9.95. I found the coating to be perfectly crispy, and the chicken was succulent and juicy.
We then tried the much-talked-about Magic Coffee, which originated in Australia. It has been described as a bold coffee, without the bitterness, is served with velvety smooth milk and has been hailed as having the ‘magic’ ratio of milk to coffee by M&S.
It came in a 6oz glass and the promise of a lighter, frothier drink with much less bitterness actually came off! Combining two shots of ristretto with steamed milk made the coffee rich and velvety, and the taste was surprisingly not bitter or overpowering. It was just a shame that it came in such a small glass which meant that it only lasted a couple of sips!
I also tried the Cookies and Cream Milkshake and Tropical Smoothie, which were both priced at £4. On first sip, the staggering sweetness of both drinks is a bit overwhelming, but after a couple of swigs, you gradually become more accustomed to the taste and can begin to appreciate their potential as a refreshing pick-me-up on a grey day in July.
Also on offer at M&S Café was a great selection for young kids, so we decided to try a Cheese Toastie. It was oozing with mouthwatering cheese and tasted delicious, but not only that, you also get a drink, a snack, and a piece of fruit for just £4.
Overall, M&S’ new menu offers a range of classic favourites, along with some more unique options, all packed with flavour and reasonably priced. I thought the portions were generous, and the atmosphere was relaxed with the staff offering quick and friendly service at Arena Shopping Park.
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