Marks and Spencer Food Hall Didcot

Marks and Spencer has opened a food hall in the newly extended Orchard centre in Didcot. As a local I am obviously very pleased by this, I don’t have to travel to Reading nor Oxford. I had a chance over the Easter weekend to pop in store and check out what they have. It’s definitely everything I love about Marks and Spencer, the cute packaging, variety of foods and quality. Plus an added bonus is they have opened a cafe where we can enjoy some yummy treats like carrot cake. I was over the moon to get a chance to check out the new store and pick some goodies.

Previously I used to grab a train to Oxford station were I would grab the items and leave. I wouldn’t say I am obsessed with Marks and Spencer but more addicted to the very best of M&S food. M&S has definitely made me one happy customer by opening a food hall so close to home. Didcot’s new Foodhall showcases the very best of M&S’s quality food and drink and was opened in time for Easter. 

Marks and Spencer Food Hall Didcot

Didcot Food Hall opened it’s doors to Marks and Spencer and other stores on Thursday 22nd March, beautiful sunny day. The ribbon cutting event was joined by the locals, Store Manager Matt Eastgate and 50 of his locally recruited team. As a local I am pleased they have recruited within the community bringing many much-needed jobs to the town. Didcot town has been in need of some expansion and we are pleased with the expanded Orchard Centre Retail Park.

One thing I have always loved about M&S is the quality of the food and drinks and the exceptional service. During my recent visit to the newly opened food hall, I was pleased to see the simple design of the store that screams M&S. The store has everything one needs for a good night in with friends or hosting a lavish dinner party at home. M&S’s British Boneless Rib of Beef with Porcini Stuffing is ideal for dinner parties paired with sumptuous desserts. I on the other hand are not dinner host material so I opted for the ‘ready to cook‘ meals offering a great selection of quality foods. Ready to cook meals are designed for those that love to cook but lack on time, making my life so much easier. I can prepare healthy meals quickly and easily whilst I getting on with doing the important things.

Ready to Cook Meals

Some of the ready to cook meals I chose include; six-minute aromatic prawn laksa paired with peanut pad Thai rice noodles. This was one of the easiest meals I have ever made, both the OH and I loved it and polished our plates. The food quality was top-notch, instructions were clear and easy to follow and the pair was exceptional. We finished this meal off with some delicious macaroons from M&S.

The second choice we made was a 25 minute crispy pork belly & crackling with smoked apple sauce. We paired this with Mediterranean roasting vegetables cooked in basil oil dressing for 25 minutes. I always love pairing my pork with vegetables or mashed potatoes which is always a winner in my house. For dessert we chose the mango & passion fruit panna cotta; vanilla panna cotta topped with mango & passion fruit compote.

We are truly impressed with the ready to cook meals, often I choose ready-made meals for work. I love that they offer various deals on meals; 3 for £6 or 3 for £10, this works best for all my work meals. Definitely excited to try out other meals they have to food, the bakery and the wine section are my absolute favourite. I think the wine section more so than the bakery has they have a wide variety of drinks to choose from.

Starting the day right with @marksandspencer #macaroons I don’t have to fly to #Paris anymore to enjoy these goodies. @marksandspencerfoodpr ————————————————— Food Hall opened recently in Didcot and now I don’t have to travel miles just to enjoy my favourite M&S #goodies ————————————————— #dessertporn #dessertgoals #dessert🍰 #yummyfood

A post shared by Miranda-Anosa #Bloggers2Brands (@ajulydreamer) on Mar 30, 2018 at 2:00am PDT

M&S Cafe and Collect in-store

One exciting feature of the new Marks and Spencer food hall is the 48-seat cafe opened inside the store. I am one of those people who enjoy a good spot of shopping then stopping for a nice cuppa break. As soon as M&S cafe opened, my sister and I had such a lovely visit to the cafe after our shopping spree in the newly expanded retail park. We enjoyed a nice hot chocolate with carrot cake and because we were peckish we ordered a jacket potato. The pairing was chili corn cane which is the best I have had in such a long time, still reminiscing about it. The cafe is pretty quaint, the staff had some teething problems but otherwise great service.

Another thing to love about the newly opened store is the fact that you can collect your online order in store. You can buy your clothing or homeware online and have it delivered next day to the Didcot store free of charge. As someone who loves ordering things online but hate the associated delivery charges this has made me very happy indeed. Additionally, you can join M&S’s members club, Sparks where you can collect points whilst shopping. As a member you get tailor-made offers and priority access to M&S seasonal previews and sales.

The new M&S Foodhall will be located at Orchard Centre Retail Park, 66 Orchard Street, Didcot, OX11 7LG.  It will be open Monday – Saturday from 8am to 8pm, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.