Shopping Centre
Food feedback
Coverpoint's Jonathan Doughty serves up his regular shopping centre food review. This month, he visits Ponti's at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes.
Published:  13 September, 2006
Page 21 

The Sunday of the August Bank Holiday finds me in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes, to review the latest opening for Ponti's. The 3,500 sq ft, specially-designed unit is split over two levels and sits between Debenhams and H&M, thereby providing a steady footfall stream throughout the day.

The unit was very well presented, using red and cream chairs together with green banquette seating to emphasise the Italian focus of the restaurant. The use of light woods and clean lines complemented the light and airy environment, assisted by the floor-to-ceiling glazing behind the unit.

After picking up a tray, I was presented with a counter display that was abundant, with a stacked, if a little anaemic, panini display, 'merchandising plates' of salads and pasta dishes, and an attractive selection of cakes, patisserie and desserts. Jacket potatoes, cooked breakfasts, soup, pizza and a limited selection of hot dishes completed the menu line-up. Cooked to order items were presented from the kitchen, through a 'pass' and delivered to customers' tables.

I selected a moist blueberry muffin (£1.55), yoghurt granola (£1.90), with thick yoghurt, crunchy oats and sweet syrup, a large cappuccino (£1.85) and an apple & pear juice (£1.40). All were delivered speedily and all met with expectations. The only oversight was a lack of a glass offered with the bottle of juice.

The staffing appeared a little top-heavy for the levels of footfall in the centre at the time of the visit, although this ensured that table clearing was some of the best seen in a shopping centre environment.Overall, this was an enjoyable breakfast experience in a pleasant environment.

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