Thursday, 27 October 2016

Costa, Hall Rd, Norwich


The Location: Costa, Hall Rd, Norwich (opposite the new Asda)
The Visit: Monday 17th October 2016, early afternoon
Cake: Sicilian Lemon Muffin
Tea: Twinings Everyday, milk added by server, double cupped
The Cake: I have to say I'm a fan of lemon cakes, and this was no different. Just the right amount of moisture, sugar frosting on top and a dollop of sharp lemon curd baked into the middle. Very nice.
The Tea: Twinings' Everyday is probably one of my least favourite mainstream teas, and whilst drinkable, not my favourite. It has a bitter taste that doesn't sit well with me, certainly not as good as their English Breakfast blend.
The Café: I was here with my children after school (as the usual swimming lesson was cancelled), so I asked for my tea in a takeaway cup in case they finished their smoothies sooner. Despite being in a busy location, the cafe itself was almost empty, for most of our visit we were the only patrons. This did lead to a calmer atmosphere, at least when the children were drinking, eating, or colouring in the supplied activity sheets. I'll be back! The score would be better if it were not for the Everyday tea.
Verdict: 8/10

Ikea café, Tottenham, London



The Location: Ikea café, Tottenham, London 
The Visit: Wednesday 12th October, evening
Cake: Red Velvet
Tea: London Tea Company, milk from machine dispenser
The Cake: Three layers, so good ratio of cake to cream filling, which went some way to make up for the dry cake. Nice sprinkling of chocolate on top.
The Tea: Tea was quite good.
The Café: This was an accompaniment to a dinner of meatballs, which were as always good. Ikea cafe is always erring on the Good side of Average, but the low prices more than make up for it, especially the free tea with their loyalty card. The tea quality definitely improves the score of this tea and cake (cake alone would probably score 5.5) 
Verdict: 6.5/10

Monday, 3 October 2016

Café Britannia, Norwich


The Location: Cafe Britannia, Norwich
The Visit: Saturday 24th September, 2016, afternoon
Cake: Carrot and Walnut
Tea: On brand tea bag, milk in jug
The Cake: Very tasty cake, just the right amount of moisture and cake / cream ratio. Fell on its side, not cleanly cut, so loses out on appearance but makes up for it in taste.
The Tea: An average tea.
The Café: Cafe Britannia is actually attached to the prison, and prisonners work here, gaining useful work experience. Wonderful views over the city. I was in a large group with children, so really had to gulp down the tea and cake to make sure the children were ok with their ice-creams.
Verdict: 7.5/10