Poundcafe Offers Affordable All-Day Brunch in St Johns Centre

A visit to Poundcafe in St Johns Shopping Centre reveals an affordable brunch option that stands out in an increasingly expensive dining landscape. Known for its budget-friendly menu, Poundcafe continues to attract customers with its enticing prices and hearty offerings.

Poundcafe first opened in 2013 in Kirkby, where it captured attention by serving four-item fry-ups for just £1. Although the original Kirkby location has since closed, the brand has expanded across the UK, maintaining its reputation for value. The St Johns Shopping Centre location, which I visited on a Monday morning, was bustling with shoppers and brunch enthusiasts alike.

The cafe boasts a diverse menu featuring classic British dishes. For instance, patrons can enjoy meals such as egg and chips priced at £3.20, sausage, chips, and gravy for £3.90, and beans on toast for £3. A selection of sandwiches, toasties, and children’s meals also add to the variety. Until 11:30, the breakfast menu is available, offering five-item breakfasts at £3.75 and seven-item breakfasts for £5.

What caught my attention was the all-day brunch option, which includes sausage, bacon, egg, chips, and beans for just £4.40. Additionally, a regular tea costs £1.80, while lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos are priced at £2, significantly lower than many popular coffee chains. I placed my order, totaling £6.20, and was informed by the friendly cashier of a brief ten-minute wait.

While waiting, I observed the lively atmosphere filled with shoppers, friends catching up, and families enjoying their meals. Despite it being a weekday, the cafe was nearly full, with patrons continuing to stream in as noon approached.

Shortly after placing my order, my meal arrived promptly. The presentation was appealing, featuring crispy bacon and a generous portion of chips. The chips had a satisfying crunch, and the beans complemented the dish well. The bacon was perfectly crispy, striking a balance between tenderness and crunch. Although I was initially skeptical about the sausage, it turned out to be a decent representation of a typical cafe sausage, reminiscent of a smaller chippy sausage.

My only critique was the fried egg, which was overcooked, lacking the desirable runny yolk that many expect with such a dish. Nonetheless, the overall experience was well worth the price. Leaving Poundcafe, I felt fully satisfied, pondering how to power through the rest of the workday without a nap.

Poundcafe’s combination of affordability, variety, and quality makes it a popular choice in St Johns Shopping Centre, and it is easy to see why the cafe has garnered a loyal following among local shoppers.