Tim Horton’s café is a winner!

The buzz around town is that a popular Canadian fast food restaurant has finally arrived in Bahrain. Tim Hortons’ Café and Bake Shop is known internationally for its yummy doughnuts and splendid coffee, and, make no mistake, its A+ casual dining experience is not lost in Bahrain! Since its bright and early opening on 7th of April, inside Galleria Mall (Mahooz), word has spread fast and it’s quickly becoming a local favourite.

Located next to the newly-opened LuLu Hypermarket, parking is plentiful, and you can drop in at any time, providing it’s not 2am. Opening hours mirror the same timings as the coffee shops spaced around the island.

DT News stopped by the café on Thursday afternoon for a browse, a bit of coffee and a bite to eat. The staff was welcoming and the room itself was radiant, spacious and filled with the sumptuous aroma of baked goodies.

The music playing in the café gives a good vibe to the atmosphere. The funky chairs allow for comfort, while dining tables and booths are also available – so take your pick.  People of all kinds were studded – some studying (excuse the pun!) – around the café and it was not hard to feel at home in the presence of such a diverse crowd.

On the menu were some tantalising baked goods for both the savoury and the sweet tooth aficionado; foods such as bagels, giant velvety muffins, maple-covered donuts, cookies and croissants. The signature French vanilla coffee was “out of this world” good! Milky, warm (temperature exactly right upon serving) and brimming with the most delicious French vanilla flavour – it was a cup of heaven on a peaceful afternoon.

Beef Steak sandwich came along with the coffee, toasted on wholegrain bread and oozing cheese from each, geometrically-pleasing, pointy and crisp corner.  The Garden Cream Cheese and Pesto sandwich was filling, delightful, and packing flavour for a simple “salad sandwich”.

A group of university students were hanging out and enjoying their snacks and some coffee. Luckily they were happy to have a chat.

Abdullah Alarrayedh, a medical student in Bahrain, said, “I heard about Tim Hortons opening in Bahrain through word of mouth. It’s my first experience here - the coffee is great and the food is delicious. I will definitely come again!”

The Tim Hortons’ currently-marketed slogan, “It’s Time for Tims”, rings a sweet and melodic bell. It is affectionately known in Canada as “Timmies” and has long been a cultural icon. Whether you are stopping for a coffee after work, in between work, or just to pass the time, it is sure to put a smile on your face. Have a red velvet muffin to go and keep that smile going all day long. 

The saying “you’re never fully dressed without a smile” squeezes in snuggly here, as a fitting reminder of the never-ending value of spontaneous enjoyment – which can’t really be bought. Well, unless you happen to be at Tim Hortons’. Let’s not forget this is not about Dr Seuss’s famous book, ‘Horton Hears a Who’, since most folks (who haven’t been hiding under a rock) can’t help but think of it when the name ‘Horton’ pops up to the surface.

Anyway – what’s not to like about this retro cafe – there are even teeny tiny doughnut balls of every imaginable type, covered in powdered sugar, and even chocolate ones!

Maybe it would be fun to bring a slew of Dr. Seuss quotes along as a conversation starter, served with French vanilla latte, and a side of cabbage – no, not cabbage, of course not cabbage. Tim Hortons’ is everything but boiled cabbage. 

So, to round it off, if you are looking for a sweet spot to spend a Sunday afternoon, lapping some fantastic coffee and enjoying a sandwich or two, give the new Tim Hortons’ in Bahrain a whirl.