We tried Derby's new Cinnabon bakery but we were left feeling underwhelmed
While there is a lot going in its favour we expected more from the bakery's signature 'bons'
A new business opening in Derby is always cause for celebration and if it’s a bakery offering sweet treats galore, then that's even better for us.
Cinnabon launched in Derbion on Level 2 opposite Moss Bros earlier this month. The shopping centre branch is Cinnabon’s first and only store in Derby city centre.
Its Pride Park branch closed earlier this year and it appears the transition to a more central location appears to be a good move.
Judging from the long queue and busy tables in the eat-in area, Cinnabon appears to be a hit with shoppers.
The American bakery chain’s signature pastry is the cinnamon roll which is traditionally a soft bread filled with cinnamon sugar and slathered with a cream cheese frosting.
Founded in 1985, the store is reported to have 1,200 Cinnabon bakeries in 48 countries.
We went along to try one of the pastries which are fondly known as ‘Bons.’
The Derby store is so inviting, the counter is packed with buns will undoubtedly keep you rooted to the spot as you mull over what to buy.
Perhaps the cake range is so inviting, you may wish you possess magical powers that enable you to leap over the glass cabinet and eat all the pastries your heart desires.
I have a squishy soft spot for pretty things which is why I love Cinnabon’s branding.
Its pastel aqua blue hue is so elegant and beautiful, it reminds me of that regal colour similar to Tiffany’s jewellers.
This is the reason why the opening scene of Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast At Tiffany’s popped into my mind.
In it, Audrey steps out from a cab, at the crack of dawn, and nibbles on a pastry whilst peering through the windows of Tiffany’s.
I almost felt like running home, ditching my winter coat to slip into a black column maxi dress, putting my hair up like our Audrey and returning to the queue at Cinnabon.
I didn’t do this as I had a deadline to meet, plus it was too cold to be larking around in a posh frock.
Instead I settled for the café area where I plonked down my laptop bag and tucked into the Lotus Biscoff Classic Bon.
This is a cinnamon bun topped with Lotus Biscoff sauce, Biscoff crumbs and a whole Lotus Biscoff biscuit (which I forgot to add).
In case you missed it, this bun is a celebration of all things Lotus Biscoff, whose cinnamony, festive flavour profile I absolutely adore.
The taste of the bun itself was good, but I would have liked the cream cheese frosting to taste a little more tangy, not like a regular butter-based frosting.
I was expecting a tearable, soft bread base, but I found the bun texture a little on the dry side, which left me a tad disappointed.
There are other menu items that I am keen to explore such as Chillata frozen blended drinks which are Cinnabon's frappe-style offerings.
Overall, Cinnabon is a welcome addition to Derby and I will be trying their Rolls-On-The-Go which also sounds like a lovely mid-afternoon snack to enjoy in all seasons.
Location: Cinnabon Derby, Level 2, Derbion, London Road, Derby DE1 2PL
For more information about Cinnabon visit their website by clicking here.