M&S is a big deal in Bath, and the excitement was palpable on February 4th when hundreds lined up to explore the brand-new four-storey flagship store in SouthGate. Shoppers were eager to snap selfies with beloved characters like Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar, while some lamented missing out on one of the 500 limited edition M&S tote bags.
People traveled from places as far as Wells and Winchester for the store’s grand opening. The previous M&S, located just a stone’s throw away, closed for only a day, but even that brief pause felt significant. The supermarket’s rebirth quickly became a city-wide celebration.
At the pinnacle of this retail mountain, on the fourth floor, a spacious 140-seat coffee shop waits to welcome breakfast lovers. At 9am sharp, three distinct queues snaked through the cafe, a strong indication of the demand for this refreshed eatery.
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Reflecting on the old M&S café—just up the road—it was serviceable but uninspiring. With plain white walls, wood varnish seating, and simple trays for muffins and yoghurts, it felt somewhat like a school canteen for adults. Its signature “magic coffee” failed to leave a lasting impression, essentially tasting like your average brew.
In stark contrast, the new M&S café is a different beast. Its display boasts an array of tempting sweet treats: cakes, scones, and doughnuts. The layout is segmented into cold and hot sections, with a busy front counter for custom drink orders. The presence of three queues signals M&S’s ambition—this café aims to attract and serve a large crowd, far surpassing the old café’s single long line.
For breakfast, I chose a hot bacon and cheese turnover (£3.50), a cold pot of salted caramel overnight oats (£3.30), and a highly caffeinated popcorn latte made with single-origin Sumatran coffee beans (£4.20). Though this selection would normally total £11, I took advantage of the pastry and drink deal, paying just £7.30—a bargain for quality fare.
The bacon and cheese turnover stood out for its careful craftsmanship, delightfully gooey filling, and a leaner profile than other similar options in Bath. The overnight oats, however, didn’t win me over; it reminded me of stodgy porridge rather than the trendy breakfast it aims to be.
The star of my meal was undoubtedly the popcorn latte. This dessert coffee, artfully topped with whipped cream and sparkling toffee sprinkles, was a true treat.
Seated nearby was a 91-year-old devoted M&S fan who had been present at both the old store’s and new store’s openings. Her satisfaction mirrored my own—this new café clearly outshines its predecessor.
The M&S store in SouthGate is open daily, Monday to Friday from 8am to 9pm, Saturdays from 8am to 8:30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The third-floor coffee shop welcomes guests seven days a week as well—from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.