As you’ll probably have seen by now, the new Loom Loft and big fancy Aldi stores have opened on the Docks in Preston. As we needed to do the food shop, and we’d not been out for breakfast in months, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to combine the two.

Having booked a table for first thing on Saturday morning, I was a little apprehensive about being the only ones arriving at an interior furnishings store, at 9am, for breakfast. Thankfully we were not alone and apprehension became excitement as the doors opened to reveal this wasn’t your average retail store café.

As we made our way to the café at the rear of the store, we were able to have a quick look at some of the stunning furniture on sale and of course, the incredible Shawn Sharpe murals on the back walls.

Read more: Preston artist Shawn Sharpe creates mural celebrating city’s Docks and textile heritage

We were welcomed by a friendly member of the team and taken to our table where, as requested, a highchair was waiting for our 18-month-old daughter, B. Funnily enough she wasn’t ready to sit in it. Off she went for a wander with dada to pick our new sofa!

There were already a few diners seated in what is a fantastic looking bistro with elegant furniture, ambient lighting, more graffiti art and friendly welcome signs.

We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere as we browsed the breakfast menu and enquired about the children’s equivalent which was quickly located and handed to me. Ordering at the counter gave me a closer look at the wide range of pastries, cakes and huge range of fancy cheesecakes. Tempting!

Our hot drinks arrived quickly, and I poured a brew. We had an Americano, English Breakfast tea and a Babyccino. However, infant curiosity soon became head and handshakes leading to me drinking the latter.

The food arrived shortly after and looked amazing. My husband had the Loft Breakfast, and our daughter had the children’s Loft Breakfast. I had the Ham Eggs Benedict, but I do prefer bacon to ham (is there anyone who doesn’t??) and they were more than happy to do the swap.

The ’Loft’ breakfasts included home-made black pudding, which was like no other I’ve tasted before with a delicious, subtle sweetness. The Farnworth’s of Whalley sausages were equally as tasty, and the bacon was perfectly cooked. Hash browns, mushrooms, beans and (brown) toast completed the lineup alongside the egg of your choice. My husband had scrambled and considered it a bit ‘wet’ for his taste and would choose fried or poached next time. I quite like sloppy scrambled eggs, so I’d probably try them.

The adult breakfast was spot-on portion wise whilst the children’s version was more like a small adult’s helping. If you’re watching the pennies, the child’s breakfast might be a good choice. B devoured her sausage, egg, beans and toast but needed a hand from dada with the rest as her attention moved to cutlery throwing.

My Eggs Benedict were delicious but whilst the yokes were soft, I would’ve preferred them runny. However, the hollandaise sauce was perfect, the muffins tasted fresh, and the portion was again, spot on.

The food and drinks totalled £35.70, which we thought was well worth it for the quality of food and brilliant service.

I couldn’t leave without trying one of the cinnamon swirls for £3.50 that I’d been tempted by when I’d gone up the counter earlier. It was sticky, sweet, gooey, and a delightful choice for a breakfast dessert. Presented so beautifully too.

The service was extremely attentive and friendly, we were checked upon a few times during our meal and empty plates were quickly cleared away. They made B smile which is always great when you’re eating out with a toddler.

As well as a beautiful bistro, the toilets were also impressive, and they have a baby changing area which is definitely good to know if you’re thinking of going as a family.

As we wandered back through the store, I had another quick browse on the way out and spotted this brilliant foodie gift or perhaps just a treat for myself!

We will definitely be heading back to the bistro again, perhaps we’ll try the lunch menu next time. With the new Aldi next door, it’s definitely made the big shop a whole lot tastier.

Have you tried the Loft Bistro yet? Let us know what you think in the comments.