Over the last decade Muffin Break has become one of the leading muffin and espresso coffee retailers, with over 300 successful stores in 6 countries, originating in Australiasia. Muffin Break identified a huge opportunity in the UK market and opened its first UK stores in 2001, in Derby and Nottingham. Muffin Break currently has 12 stores and will open a further 10 in the UK and Ireland over 2005.
*Ok, so what exactly is it?*
Muffin Break is described to be a unique concept in the convenience food market because all products are apparently prepared and baked on the premises daily. The actual chain offers over 200 muffin recipes (including sweet ones, savoury ones and low fat choices for those that like them but don't want the pounds!). It also has sandwiches, cakes, slices, cookies and pastries as well as coffee and other such drinks.
*Why did you Chose MB?*
Muffin Break to me, seems the perfect place to stop and have a cup of coffee and a quick munch either during (or after) a long shopping session. It seemed relatively quiet when I went there at about 3pm and seeing as I'd never been there, I wanted to see if it was any good.
As it isn't really a proper shop, it's more like a permanent stall… there wasn't really much they could do with the place. It is however, fairly attractive boasting bright blue signs and the shiny sort of wood surfaces and structures which made it look modern and inviting.
*How easy was Ordering?*
As I already said, it was relatively quiet. This meant that ordering was a breeze. The member of staff was fairly friendly, and the choices were neatly displayed on a large board above the back of the desk-type thing. I settled for an espresso (as they claim to have a superior coffee recipe) and a double chocolate muffin - I figured you couldn't really go wrong.
There was a moderate size seating area so I took a space somewhat in the middle. At the time of day I was there, it was rather sedate, however on a busier day, I could imagine it being crowded positioned in the middle of the floor. A slight floor with the planning so not really a shop issue, however I do feel that if I was basing my review on a weekend visit, it might be less than palatable.
*How was the food menu?*
Other choices up there were blueberry, apple-cinnamon and chocolate chip - however, they do change apparently as my friend who went another time had banana. That got the thumbs up. Non muffin options were sandwiches (that did look edible - none of that left over grot you're so used to seeing lying in the counter with stuff like cheese and tuna), pies and quiches which they had just run out of.
*What was the drinks menu like?*
Not bad at all. It boasted your usual coffees (black, white, cappuccino, latte) and other colder drinks such as water and orange juice.
The coffee however they maintain is fairly special stuff… I however couldn't remember exactly what each thing was so I sort of cheated and whacked this straight of the website for you…
International knowledge
(Country of Origin and their given Dominant Characteristics) Ethiopia and India : Body Brazil : Aroma East Timor : Superb crema Nicaragua/Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico : Acidity for balance and feel in the mouth
I did hear from a friend that they do some sort of take away coffee beans which lets you actually make it up at home. It's relatively inexpensive (I'm not sure how much she paid) and she bought ground coffee - tastes good apparently. I wouldn't know though. You can buy it as a whole bean as well as the decaf option for those who like the coffee minus the caffeine.
*How much was the bill?*
If I remember correctly, I think it came to around about £4. For a drink of a reasonable size and a well demanded muffin, I didn't think this was too bad.
*Go there again?*
Yeah definitely. It was a nice way to take an easy stop, and didn't dent the shopping fund too much. The coffee was nice - although wasn't as fantastic as they made out, and the muffin was deliciously morish. Overall, definitely worth a go if ever you're considering a rest stop. I wouldn't bother specifically targeting it out though.
*Additional Information*
From the website: www.muffinbreak.com.au/online/default.asp?deptid=35&ArticleId=&Country=UK
There are the following stores :
Birmingham Derby East Kilbride Lewisham Manchester Nottingham Redditch Tunbridge Wells Welwyn Garden City * Woking
* The one I am basing my review on.
It is also to remember that this is a franchise and quality may vary.
Pictures are from the website so may actually be slightly different to what is shown on here.
