Can Supermarket Cafés Compete? My Honest Review of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons & M&S Cafés

When most of us think of supermarket cafés in the UK, the first images that come to mind are lukewarm jacket potatoes, budget cups of tea, and the occasional scone served with jam in a paper cup. For decades, these cafés were a hidden corner of practicality—cheap, quick, and nothing to write home about.

But over the last few years, supermarket cafés have gone through something of a quiet revolution. From TikTok-worthy iced matcha lattes to restaurant-style brunch menus, chains like Tesco, Morrisons, M&S, and Asda are all trying to carve out a slice of the dining-out market.

So, I decided to put them to the test. Armed with an empty stomach and an open mind, I visited all four of the UK’s biggest supermarket cafés—M&S, Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda—to see how they stacked up on value for money, cleanliness, child-friendliness, food quality, and overall customer experience.

Here’s what I found—and why one of them left me vowing never to return.

The Rise of the Supermarket Café in the UK

Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth exploring how supermarket cafés have evolved.

In the early 2000s, a visit to a supermarket café was a simple affair. The menu usually offered baked beans on toast, a fry-up, and a pot of tea. These cafés were more functional than fashionable—places where pensioners could enjoy a cheap meal or families could refuel mid-shop.

Fast forward to today, and the competition has grown fierce. With high street coffee shops like Costa and Starbucks charging premium prices, supermarket chains have spotted an opportunity. They now offer:

Specialty coffees and lattes made by trained baristas

Instagram-worthy brunch options such as avocado on sourdough and eggs royale

Affordable children’s meal deals that rival family restaurants

Freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hot meals that appeal to both health-conscious and comfort-food seekers

In short, supermarket cafés are no longer just a pit stop—they’re positioning themselves as community hubs, budget-friendly alternatives to coffee chains, and even casual dining destinations.

With that context, here’s how each supermarket café performed when I visited.

1. M&S Café – Premium Quality, Premium Prices

It probably won’t shock anyone that Marks & Spencer (M&S) came out on top. Known for its “food that’s a little bit fancy,” M&S cafés are essentially an extension of their premium grocery brand.

Food & Drink Experience

The chicken and pesto crunchy sandwich I ordered was fresh, flavorful, and filling. It tasted like something you’d happily buy at Pret A Manger. I also went for a supermarket café classic: the jacket potato with cheese and beans, which was hearty, warm, and perfectly cooked.

The standout, however, was the strawberry iced matcha latte—a TikTok-famous drink that I’d previously avoided because I thought matcha tasted like grass. To my surprise, the strawberry twist balanced the earthiness beautifully. It was refreshing, visually stunning, and genuinely enjoyable.

The staff also recommended the breakfast wrap, which I tried, and it was just as satisfying.

Atmosphere & Cleanliness

Spotless. Not a crumb out of place. The café was calm, organized, and had a refined feel that matched the M&S brand.

Pricing

Here’s where M&S loses points:

Jacket Potato with Cheese & Beans – £7.50

Chicken & Pesto Sandwich – £7.50

Breakfast Wrap – £6.95

These prices are higher than Costa or Starbucks. For a supermarket café, that’s pushing it.

But M&S does score points for its kids’ menu, where a main, snack, and drink cost only £4.50—a rare bargain.

Verdict

M&S is the best for quality, hands down. But unless you’re happy to splurge, it’s not the most practical option for everyday dining.

2. Tesco Café – Surprisingly Strong Contender

If M&S represents luxury, Tesco represents balance: good food, good portions, and fair pricing.

Food & Drink Experience

I couldn’t resist trying the Big Breakfast, which came loaded with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, hash browns, and even fried bread. At £9.50, it was slightly pricier than expected, but the portion was so large that it could have fed two people comfortably.

Other menu items ranged between £6–£9, including sandwiches, burgers, and brunch dishes. I also tried the strawberry iced matcha latte here, and it was just as good as the M&S version.

Atmosphere & Cleanliness

Tesco cafés feel modern and welcoming. Staff were friendly, the service was quick, and tables were clean. It didn’t feel chaotic, even during a busy lunchtime.

Family-Friendliness

Children can eat here for £4, which is excellent value compared to other dining options.

Verdict

Tesco offers the best mix of value and quality. You don’t get the luxury of M&S, but the food is hearty, the café is spotless, and the pricing feels fair.

3. Morrisons Café – Best for Families

Morrisons surprised me. I expected simple food, but what I got was solid, hearty British classics at unbeatable prices.

Food & Drink Experience

The menu here reads like a traditional pub—fish and chips, bangers and mash, steak pie and mash, and more. Prices hovered around £7, and portion sizes were generous.

Their jacket potato with cheese and beans actually tasted better than the M&S version, and at £5, it was much cheaper.

Morrisons also offers refillable soft drinks (£2.75), refillable coffee, and even a slushie machine, which kids love.

Family-Friendliness

This is where Morrisons shines: kids eat free with any adult meal costing £5 or more. That means for £5, you and your child can both eat—a deal no other supermarket café comes close to matching.

Atmosphere & Cleanliness

The café was busy but cheerful, with a strong sense of community. It was clean, though not as pristine as M&S.

Verdict

If you’re a parent looking for budget-friendly dining with children, Morrisons is unbeatable. While it may not have Instagram-worthy drinks, it’s practical, welcoming, and excellent value for money.

4. Asda Café – A Disappointment

Sadly, Asda was the only café I left vowing never to return.

Food & Drink Experience

The ham and cheese panini (£4.95) was stale, the carrot cake was hard, and the tables were sticky. To make matters worse, the entire hot food menu wasn’t available due to staff shortages.

The only saving grace was that children can eat here for £1 when the full menu is available—but based on my visit, that wasn’t enough to redeem the experience.

Atmosphere & Cleanliness

Messy. Tables weren’t being cleared quickly, the floor was sticky, and it felt chaotic.

Verdict

Even with low prices, the lack of quality and cleanliness makes Asda a no-go for me. With Morrisons, Tesco, and M&S all nearby, there’s simply no reason to dine here.

Final Rankings

After visiting all four cafés, here’s how they stack up:

M&S Café – Best for quality, but pricey

Tesco Café – Best balance of value and quality

Morrisons Café – Best for families, unbeatable kids’ deal

Asda Café – Not worth it, avoid if possible

Key Takeaways

M&S is where you go if you want a little luxury in a supermarket café.

Tesco delivers great food at fair prices, with a modern café feel.

Morrisons is the family champion, offering kids’ meals that beat the competition.

Asda needs serious improvement to compete in this space.

Should You Try Supermarket Cafés?

Absolutely. Supermarket cafés have stepped up their game massively. Whether you’re a parent looking for affordable meals, a student needing a cheap coffee spot, or someone who just loves exploring new dining options, there’s a supermarket café for you.

But choose wisely—because while some offer restaurant-quality food at bargain prices, others will leave you regretting you ever walked in.