Forget the SS Great Britain and the M Shed, there’s only one day out in Bristol where you’ll find flat pack wardrobes, mini pencils and Swedish meatballs under the same roof.
In fact, it’s a wonder you don’t have to pay for entry at IKEA. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the bright yellow tote bags and trolleys big enough to fit a small family.
Not to mention its restaurant. In fact, the store is arguably as good a food outlet as it is a Mecca of DIY furniture, if the 50p ice creams and Daim Bar cake are anything to go by.
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I’d only ever stopped fleetingly at IKEA’s restaurant, for a snack after choosing between a Lagkapten and Lillasen desk.
But all that changed today, as I embarked on a trip to the warehouse of fun with one thing in mind: breakfast.
Briefed with the task of trying IKEA’s veggie full English after my mixed reviews of what Morrisons and Sainsbury’s had to offer, I parked up at IKEA Eastgate with no need for a trolley or basket. I headed up the escalator where I found the restaurant immediately to my right (if only finding my way out of the store was this easy…)
If you’ve been to IKEA next to the M32, you’ll be familiar with the restaurant and the seating area which looked as if it had been recently done-up.
I headed over to the school-style cafeteria, picked up a tray and waited in a short queue to get my hot breakfast. Of course, it wouldn’t be IKEA without a queue, and waiting in line was a bit of a faf, but I expected it. Luckily it wasn’t too busy, either.
There was a regular breakfast and veggie breakfast on offer, with the option to add extra of everything and toast for 40p. I could have also picked up fruit, juice, cake and other snacks while waiting in line but decided not to. It was only 9.40am and I wasn’t ravenous .
I asked for the veggie breakfast which includes two vegetarian sausages, two hashbrowns, one omelette, beans, mushrooms and tomato. Unlike my breakfasts at Morrisons and Sainsburys, my plate was piled up in front of me so I didn’t have to wait.
I may have just got lucky but the nice man who was serving the food was generous with the portions. I got two (mini) omelettes and loads of mushrooms and beans.
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After I got my food, which was covered in a plastic shield to keep it warm, I walked over to the till to pay for my meal. I also picked up cutlery and ketchup, as well as a mug for a hot chocolate, which I got out of a machine.
My breakfast was a bargain £2.60. I thought this was excellent value for money, especially given the amount of food I got. The hot chocolate was an extra £1.50.
I found a seat and tucked into my breakfast. The hot chocolate wasn’t a patch on the Sainsbury’s version, it was smaller and a little watery, but it was half the price.
My hopes were dashed when I took my first mouthful of the hot breakfast. I tried the veggie sausage first which tasted like mashed carrot. I got used to the taste eventually (I covered them in ketchup) as I didn’t want to let them go to waste, but I was a bit disappointed.
Thankfully, the other items saved the meal. I got two mini omelettes which were nice and soft, not overcooked, and really filling.
The hash browns were delicious and a good size. I got two so they took up most of the plate, but as they are my favourite part of a hot breakfast, I wasn’t complaining. They were crispy and soft on the inside - perfect.
The same can be said for the mushrooms. I was given loads, as well as a large tomato, and they tasted fresh. A large helping of beans was a welcome addition to the meal and they were just the right temperature.
Conclusion
My breakfast at IKEA was, all-in-all, delicious, and the portion size was good.
Thankfully there wasn’t much of a queue so I managed to get my breakfast in a few minutes, and ten minutes later I demolished it.
I am astounded by the value for money at IKEA. Just a couple of quid gets you a hot meal, and an extra pound would get you a filter coffee or cup of tea, although I opted for the slightly more expensive hot chocolate.
Unfortunately the sausages weren’t the best, but the hash browns and mushrooms made up for them.
The service was good and the ordering process is simple.
I would definitely recommend heading to IKEA for breakfast.
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