But all hope is not lost! It is December in Newcastle, and that can only mean one thing: the Greggs Festive Bake has returned to cure your seasonal depression. What better way to get yourself ready for the holidays than enjoying a roast dinner wrapped in puff pastry? It almost sounds too good to be true.
What better way to get yourself ready for the holidays than enjoying a roast dinner wrapped in puff pastry?
Controversially, I had never actually tried a festive bake before this week, and I had high hopes. I had been told for years that the Festive Bake was a high point of the Christmas season, the best thing Greggs had to offer. The bar was set high, but would the Festive Bake deliver?
It is hard to describe the emotion that came with the first bite of the Bake. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was disappointed, but I was certainly underwhelmed. Greggs' website promises that the Festive Bake contains “All the best bits of Christmas dinner,” from chicken and bacon to cranberry sauce and stuffing, and, if I’m honest, I couldn’t taste half of those things. I don’t believe I came across any bacon, and the presence of any stuffing was definitely up for debate.
Despite these shortcomings, I would not say that this was a bad product. If I’m honest, I really enjoyed it and would probably go back for another. I thought the seasoned pastry was a nice touch, and the filling reminded me of a chicken bake, a mainstay in my Greggs lunch rotation.
I would not say that this was a bad product. If I’m honest, I really enjoyed it and would probably go back for another
All things considered, I can’t say whether I rate or hate the Festive Bake. I certainly don’t hate it, but I can’t quite bring myself to go so far as to say I rate it either. It was just fine, neither here nor there. It faced a mammoth challenge living up to the hype and couldn’t quite deliver. While it’s a nice reminder of the impending festive season, I won’t miss it when its gone, and certainly won’t be counting down the sleeps till it returns.