The Christmas menu has returned to the M&S café, bringing a little light to the dreariest of November afternoons.

We had the pleasure of paying a visit to the M&S café on Western Road in Brighton where we were able to feast upon the tasty new editions to the menu.

The café was teeming with hungry shoppers as we headed in from the cold for a spot of lunch. I think it's fair to say we brought the average customer age down a few decades. 

The schnitzel was crispy and deliciousThe schnitzel was crispy and delicious (Image: NQ) The chicken Schnitzel, £9.95, was coated with crispy, golden breadcrumbs and drizzled with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise. This was served alongside crunchy roast potatoes and rocket.

The chicken was tender and the combination of the tanginess of the cranberry with the creaminess of the mayonnaise was delicious.

Nothing beats pigs-in-blankets and these chipolatas double-wrapped in smoky bacon, served with a "gravy dipper" went down a treat. If I have one complaint, it is that the gravy was a little on the thin side but at £2.50, I'm not going to grumble.

The gravy was a little on the thin side but very reasonable at £2.50The gravy was a little on the thin side but very reasonable at £2.50 (Image: NQ) The newsroom was calling so there wasn't time - or space in our tummies - to feast further but the turkey and ham hock toastie (£7.50) with shredded British turkey and ham hock with pork, sage and onion stuffing, Emmental cheese, cheesy bechamel and cranberry ketchup looked enticing.

Also on the menu was a cheeseboard toastie (£6.50) with barbers cheddar, Emmental and Red Leicester with a Christmas port and onion chutney and three cheese bechamel.