A review of Mimi’s Hatch

We’re years into the lockdown, and bakeries are among the innovative local businesses adapted to survive. Mimi’s have this month adjusted their headquarters on West Harbour Road to join in.

I went to “Mimi’s Hatch” on its opening day. In September, it’ll be open every Sunday, from 10 am and for a few hours. I went just after 11 am and it was primarily sold out.

As this is a review coming after just one visit, just one quick purchase, I’m not going to assign stars, but I’ll do that later if I go back.

Wow, gorgeous and unhealthy. I’m very tempted to go back next Sunday.

The Hatch isn’t a full Mimi’s; the menu offers buns, scones, coffee and that sort of thing. However, while I was there, the woman in the queue ahead of me picked up a cupcakes box. I can’t tell you whether that was a one-off deal, or you can click and collect, but it certainly got my attention.

There are two important things to note from this review;

Firstly, looking through the Hatch, you can see a spotless HQ kitchen. That’s hugely reassuring.

Secondly, while not on the beaten track, this is a competitive offer.

Let me elaborate. The average price of a takeaway cup of coffee in Newhaven is about £2.50. The cost of a pastry or traybake is about the same. I’d usually go somewhere like Mr Eion or the Old Chain Pier’s window for this combo and happily pay £5 with a tap of my phone.

Mimi’s Hatch offers a filter coffee and bun deal for £3.00.

So, I got my biscoff bun for £0.50!

And it was giant! I got the last. I arrived just an hour after opening, and Mimi’s Hatch was selling out. So perhaps I got a generous “last of tray” bun, but what I got nearly filled a double box.

Fortunately, I was able to put it down on the ground and take a photograph. You can see the sticky monster for yourself.

It’s not all perfect, though. Firstly, you do have to somehow be in the area to make use of the Hatch. Houses are being built, but the Hatch is, at best, en route for a few people. The rest of us have to go out of our way to get there.

Also, if you’ve got your hands full with kids or a dog, then there’s no space to juggle your cards and baking at the window.

Overall? Very glad I went, the offer was excellent as was the food. I’m tempted to go back, but it’s a weird walk to get there, and the risk of arriving only to find a depleted menu feels real.