Tesco's recently refurbished in-store cafes are challenging perceptions with their comfortable seating, decent food offerings, and remarkably affordable family prices that begin at just £3.50. The supermarket giant has invested millions in transforming these spaces, creating an environment that feels more akin to a trendy coffee house than a typical budget supermarket eatery.
A Surprising Contender in the Cafe Scene
While many supermarket cafes often disappoint with microwave-quality food, lacklustre coffee, and unwelcoming atmospheres, Tesco appears to be genuinely shaking things up. The plastic seating, uninviting tables, and harsh overhead lighting have been replaced with plush leather armchairs, ambient lighting, chic decor, and greenery throughout.
Family-Friendly Dining on a Budget
For families watching their spending, Tesco's cafe offers particularly compelling value. During a recent visit to a west Wales branch, a family of three enjoyed a complete breakfast experience for just over £25, including two coffees and two bottles of water.
The children's menu provides substantial choice with pancakes, yoghurt, fruit, and toast available. The full kids' breakfast costs a mere £3.50 - less than a packet of nappies as the reporter noted. Later in the day, children can enjoy pasta, fish fingers, or pizza with two sides and a drink for just £4. During certain periods, Tesco even runs a 'Kids Eat Free' offer when an adult meal is purchased.
Elevated Breakfast Options
Tesco has significantly upgraded its breakfast offerings beyond the traditional full English (£6.25) and eggs on toast (£3.95). The cafe now features what the reporter described as 'posh brecky options' including Turkish-style eggs, bacon and chilli brioche, granola bowls, and toasted banana bread.
During their visit, the reporter selected sourdough toast topped with avocado, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, eggs, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, accompanied by a regular cappuccino. Their partner opted for the Turkish Eggs, served with lemon yoghurt, fried eggs, spices, crispy onions, and toasted sourdough.
Quality That Exceeds Expectations
While there was a noticeable wait for the food to arrive, the quality generally impressed. The reporter noted that while the meal wasn't 'incredible,' it certainly delivered for supermarket cafe fare. The poached eggs featured perfectly runny yolks, the avocado was fresh, and the balsamic vinegar provided a pleasant tang.
The Turkish Eggs proved surprisingly successful despite the unconventional pairing of eggs with yoghurt. The coffee received particular praise for being both tasty and strong, served piping hot in smart blue ceramic mugs rather than the generic white cups often found in budget establishments.
The People-Watching Perk
One unexpected benefit of Tesco's cafe redesign is the excellent vantage point for observing daily life. At the reporter's local branch, comfortable armchairs face a long glass balustrade overlooking the entire shop floor, creating what they described as 'a people-watcher's dream spot.' This feature helped make the waiting time for food pass more pleasantly.
The generous portion sizes, particularly for the children's meals, combined with the comfortable surroundings and reasonable prices, created what the family described as 'a delightful way to pass a couple of hours without breaking the bank.' Tesco's cafe transformation appears to have successfully created a space where families can enjoy quality time together without the financial pressure often associated with eating out.
