Food reviewer Gary Hanna, who runs the popular YouTube channel Gary Eats, visited the Poundbakery in Llandudno to compare its offerings with those of Greggs, the ubiquitous British bakery chain with around 2,700 branches across the UK. He concluded that there was only one winner, with Poundbakery taking the spoils in a four-two victory.
Products Compared and Initial Impressions
Hanna selected six identical or similar products from each shop: pepperoni pizza, a steak bake, sausage roll, cheese and onion slice, a tuna baguette, and a dessert. He was especially intrigued by the sausage rolls, as Poundbakery claims theirs is over 50% bigger than Greggs' version, for which the brand is famous.
Sausage Roll Showdown
Hanna told his followers: "I really prefer the pastry on the pound one. There's a lot more sausage meat. You see actually totally different colour." He declared: "Poundbakery easily wins that. So the main event which Greggs are really well known for surprisingly which is the sausage rolls is what Poundbakery have come in and just smashed it out of the park. And I mean really smashed it out of the park."
Other Items and Final Tally
Greggs fought back with its pepperoni pizza, which Poundbakery "ruined" because it was "overcooked." However, for the steak bake, Hanna thought the cheaper shop's offering was "so much better" and "a lot larger." Greggs' tuna baguette was "just" better, while the cheese and onion slice was a "tough one" because "both of them were bland," ultimately giving the win to Poundbakery. The cheaper shop "pipped it" as Hanna chose their dessert, an apple and raspberry turnover, over Greggs' famous yum yums.
Cost and Final Verdict
Hanna spent a total of £13.90 in Greggs compared to £12.15 in the Poundbakery, which he praised for its "superb value." In conclusion, he said: "Poundbakery is what £1.80, 75, 85 difference for me. Pound bakery wins all day long. However, what you should be doing is supporting your local bakery. Keep your local independents in business." He added: "So, if you get the opportunity, go to your independent bakery. You might pay that little bit extra, but try and support them. If not, and you're in the high street and you fancy a nibble and you got one across the road, you got one there, you know, got Poundbakery there, you got Greggs there. My advice is give your eyes a treat. Get into Poundbakery. I think that is better than Greggs on this occasion and in my opinion and anyone might have a different opinion to me."
