As the festive season approaches, Black Sheep Coffee has launched its highly anticipated Christmas menu across its London branches. Trainee Reporter Jacob Antigha ventured to the Waterloo location to put all the new seasonal offerings to the test, discovering a clear winner that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of winter.
A Festive Toastie That Falls Short
The visual marketing for the new menu, showcased on posters and digital screens, paints a mouth-watering picture, particularly of the brie and cranberry toastie. The advertised version appears bright, glossy, and generously filled. However, the reality upon unwrapping was a letdown. The cranberry layer was so thin it was barely noticeable, missing the sharp, fruity lift needed to cut through the rich cheese.
While not an unpleasant toastie, it felt like a significant missed opportunity. The item that was most looked forward to ultimately delivered the biggest disappointment, leaving behind a feeling of a standard cheese toastie rather than a special festive treat.
Drinks That Steal the Show
In stark contrast to the food, the festive drink selection tells a much more compelling story. The standout performer is the mint white chocolate matcha latte. While mint and chocolate are a classic duo, their combination with matcha creates something unexpectedly atmospheric. Jacob Antigha noted that while drinking it, he saw a screen displaying a snowy forest scene, and the drink tasted exactly how that image felt.
The white chocolate provides a soft sweetness, the mint adds a cool, almost frosty finish, and the earthy depth of the matcha grounds the entire experience. This drink earns its title as the most uniquely Christmassy item on the menu not by imitating traditional flavours like mince pies, but by capturing the literal sensation of winter itself.
Other Notable Sips
The gingerbread matcha latte occupies a middle ground. Its gingerbread spices blend well, offering a gentle warmth, but it doesn't carve out a strong sense of individuality, reminiscent of the chain's apple crumble matcha. Despite this, it's a pleasant and quickly finished cup.
For those who typically dislike coffee, the gingerbread latte was a surprising success. It genuinely resembles a liquid gingerbread biscuit without being cloyingly sweet, making it a perfect companion for long December workdays. However, purists seeking a strong coffee taste might find it lacking.
Final Verdict on the Festive Offerings
Overall, Black Sheep Coffee's Christmas menu for 2025 is a mixed bag but ultimately worthwhile. The much-hyped toastie underdelivers on its promise, but the inventive drinks, spearheaded by the exceptional mint white-choc matcha, successfully carry the new offerings. It proves that while not every item may hit the mark, you can always count on Black Sheep to bring an innovative and shake-up approach to its seasonal coffee creations.
The menu is now available in branches across London.
