I’m never awake early enough for breakfast at the weekends, or ever really.  I know it’s the most important meal of the day and nothing makes me truly happier than a bowl of Coco Pops with a slug of cold milk, but I simply favour an extra hour (or so) in bed.  Brunch on the other hand is another matter.  It’s the perfect lazy gals mealtime.  Not quite lunchtime, still early enough for your pick of eggs.

There are two things that are sure to get me out of bed and up town before midday on a Sunday and that’s shopping… or brunch.  Brunch wonderful brunch.  The best meal time hybrid to come outta.  I’m sure five years ago brunch wasn’t really a thing or maybe its one of those things you discover when you hit a certain age bracket, like under eye cream and full briefs.

The Hive at intu Potteries was opened a couple of years ago and brought a fresh wave of well known eateries to the city centre along with Cineworld, making the shopping centre a one stop shop for a weekend of entertainment.  Don’t fancy braving the weekend queues?  A post brunch cinema date is the perfect treat.  I don’t know about you, but I think there’s something kinda luxurious feeling about spending a couple of hours in the dark of a cinema and leaving post film whilst its still light.

Brunchwise, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice.

According to Terri, Chiquitos offer an egg-cellent Mexican Benedict but I was hankering after a stack of pancakes with syrup and the perfect Sunday morning wake up… bacon (& plenty of it).  Coast to Coast, provider of boozy cocktails and US style grub, do your typical all American breakfasts.Supersized breakfasts, omelettes, sweet & savoury pancakes, topped waffles and a big old mug of coffee to keep you caffeine fuelled for an afternoon on your feet shopping til you drop.

If I’m not ordering up my go to brunch of Eggs Benedict, I’ll often shun the standard fry up in favour of a veggie breakfast.. with added bacon. Yep, I’m that person.The Big Veggie Breakfast at Coast to Coast comes with potatoes, eggs and asparagus (my fave).My brunch problem?My eyes are often bigger than my belly (which is no mean feat) and so I get a hankering for something sweet.A portion of soft buttermilk pancakes with a serving of deliciously sweet maple syrup is a regular side order although its rare I’ll get through the first few mouthfuls.

Best of all?

If you’re watching your wallet (er, hello is it payday yet?) Coast to Coast often have 2 for £10 offers on their breakfasts which include the pancakes, waffles or breakfasts section of the menu OR, if you have a Tastecard (I do and use it VERY rarely), breakfasts are part of the 241 deal which meant brunch for two came in at a little under £20.

*gifted experience, all views my own