The freezing temperatures in Leicester City, East Midlands, compared to the mild weather down south in Devon, UK, have been a stark difference, and it makes the weather in Devon feel tropical.
So, yesterday, when I arrived at Leicester town centre, frostbitten, I decided to sit in at Tim Hortons for a coffee and a snack to warm up and take the edge off.
This was my first time visiting this Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain. The displays on the menu board were impressive, so I enquired if the presentation would be as beautifully served in the glass as the picture. However, the cashier said that, with the new regulations, they only serve in paper cups.
Fair enough, I thought, and I opted for a gingerbread latte.
This was nicely served with Ginger Syrup, Lotus Crumb, Whipped Cream, and Maple Carmel Sauce, as seen here.
I wasn't ravenous, so I accompanied my latte with a Honey Cruller Donut, a light, fluffy pastry, and both were tasty and not overly sweet.
This wasn't an absurdly expensive treat, as it only set me back £6.40. However, the small cup size was decent, plus all the added condiments made me think it was good value for money. Most of all, it tasted good and gave me the desired comfort.
The doughnut was lovely too, with a nice crunch to the bite, which was more exciting than a plain doughnut.
Tim scored some points, beyond any doubt.
"I always feel like a company ambassador, holding a product and smiling. However, that's not the case. I was simply smitten with Tim, and I would return."
Decor and seating
There was nothing elaborate or outrageously compelling, but the wall paintings all depicted aspects of coffee, from cultivating, harvesting, and preparation, which enhanced the ambience.
The seats were comfortable, with arrangements of tables for 2 to larger tables for 4 people, all spacious, with additional dining on an upper floor.
I liked that the tables were nicely spaced to afford customers some privacy, and the lighting seemed just right, despite it being a bitter-cold and frosty day.
Why did I choose Tim?
Leicester is one of the most multi-cultured and vibrant cities in the UK, with a myriad of dining outlets of various cuisines. It's also a university town with a youthful population that's home to hundreds of international students. However, I decided Tim Horton has a nice edge since it's right next to the Clock Tower in the city centre, and from the outside looking in, there was a light and inviting atmosphere.
While dining, two patrolling police officers popped in to inquire if there was any evident trouble. There's nothing worse than being in the wrong place at the wrong time, so, I was pleased to hear the staff say that there were some well-behaved youngsters on the upper floor.
Of course, Christmas is in the air, with decorations that blend nicely with the red and white logo of Tim Hortons.
Food Selection
There was an assortment of miniature doughnuts with the option of mixing, which is always great with coffee and would be ideal if dining with friends.
The burgers on display were tempting, but I resisted them only because all I needed was a light, fresh snack that was reasonably priced.
Overall, this was a positive experience at Tim Hortons in Leicester City. Is there a favourite item from Tim Hortons that you'd recommend, in a heartbeat, for my next visit? Cos, I'll pop by Tim soon again.
Thanks for stopping by, Peeps!
Have a Coffee-Licious Day ☕️
All images were taken by me.