After slurping down some amazing milkshakes on my trips to the USA, I'm still seeking my go to British milkshake. Perhaps, it's not part of our culture or heritage but I'm finding that certain food trends are making their way slowly but surely across the pond to London - witness the rise of frozen yoghurt stores and Mexican food. My prediction is that the next big thing in American food - mobile food trucks - may be next. Remember you read it here first.
I spied Shakeaway after a meal at nearby Cosmo and despite eating my body weight in sushi at the buffet, my curiosity still got the better of me. I was surprised to find that despite the claim that Shakeaway is the world's biggest milkshake bar company, it was actually founded in Bournemouth in 1999. They share a retail unit with Subway.
My first instinct on seeing their claim that they have 180 flavours was to say,"Yeah, right." However, a perusal of their menu board soon made me eat my words (or perhaps should be, drink my words!). They will literally crush anything into your milkshake - if you can name a favourite confection, cake, biscuit or sweet, they will almost certainly have it including indulgent things like Lindt chocolate, Bakewell tart and strawberry laces . Their shakes are made with vanilla ice cream but there is a frozen yoghurt option, which also forms the base for their fruity shakes. For the lactose-intolerant, they've thoughtfully made soya milk and soya ice cream available. The creations can be finished off wit toppings such as popping candy or popcorn if so desired.
They also have novelty items like hot milkshakes and their most expensive creation is the millionaires milkshake, which is made with Green & Blacks 85% cocoa solid chocolate and real 23 carat gold flakes.
Unfortunately, my first 2 choices were unavailable - no hot shakes at all that day and they were out of lychee. So, I settled for a classic chocolate malt milkshake, which was very good.
This could just be the place which becomes my go to milkshake place but for now, they lose a star for not having my first 2 choices available. read more