The Grinch-themed pop-up café at Primark's Trafford Palazzo store is the latest festive sensation to hit the city, following in the footsteps of similar cafes in Birmingham and Edinburgh. While the concept is charming and brimming with festive cheer, the execution left something to be desired during my visit.
Upon entering, you're instantly enveloped in a whimsical world dedicated to Dr. Seuss's iconic character, The Grinch. The café is decorated in shades of green, with playful touches that bring Whoville to life, making it an ideal spot for families and fans of the Christmas classic. The menu, which features a variety of limited-edition items, promises a unique and festive experience with dishes like the Grinchmas Shake and Cindy Lou Who Waffles.
However, the reality of the experience didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the vibrant theme. I opted for the Grinch's Dog Hot Chocolate, a salted caramel drink that was supposed to be topped with cream, a red cherry nose, and pretzel antlers. Unfortunately, the cherry nose was missing, which took away from the presentation and the intended playful reference to Max, the Grinch's loyal dog. For £3.95, the drink was enjoyable but lacked the full whimsical touch promised.
The Merry Grinchmas Waffle was another letdown. The menu advertised it as a waffle served with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, red sugar sprinkles, candy floss, and a candy cane. Instead, mine arrived with a pretzel stick in place of the candy cane, and the overall presentation felt a bit off, especially given the £6.50 price tag.
On a brighter note, my husband Lawrence enjoyed his Cindy Lou Hoo Waffle, which arrived exactly as described, with a delightful combination of vanilla ice cream, raspberries, meringue pieces, chocolate sauce, red velvet cake, and red sprinkles. It was a satisfying treat that lived up to its festive promise.
While the café’s concept is delightful, and the setting is perfect for a festive outing, the execution of the dishes could use some improvement. The Grinch-themed items on the menu are creative and fun, but when the advertised extras go missing, it takes away from the overall experience. For those who are big fans of The Grinch, this café is still worth a visit, but be prepared for the possibility of a few hiccups along the way.
The Grinch Café will remain open inside Trafford Palazzo’s Primark until December 29, offering plenty of time to experience this festive pop-up. The café operates from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays. So, whether you're planning a festive outing or just want to indulge in some holiday treats, make sure to visit before it closes for the season.
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