It's the season for pleasing our taste buds withtreats, escaping the cold and wrapping our hands around a warm drink. Coffee shops have turned into festive havens with turkey sandwiches and gingerbread lattes - making lunchtimes and coffee dates extra fun and festive.

Every year coffee and tea lovers wait to see what the like of, Starbucks, Pret A Manger, roll out for their Christmas menus. But one chain which shouldn't be forgotten about is Black Sheep Coffee.

The brand launched in 2013 and nowadays can be seen spreading across towns and cities around the UK. Social media fans have insisted that the drinks are "underrated" in comparison to other coffee houses and people should "run don't walk" to get their hands on the festive menu this year.

Instead of wondering what to order, I've done the hard work for you; I decided to see how good the menu really is with a taste test - and I was left completely surprised.

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A spokesperson for Black Sheep Coffee, which has 69 chains in the UK, said their menu is "not here to play but to sleigh". Festive drinks on the menu this year include a White Mint Choc Matcha, Iced White Mint Choc Matcha, Gingerbread Matcha, Iced Gingerbread Matcha, Gingerbread Latte. You can also enjoy the Brie and Cranberry Toastie and Festive Feast Sandwich.

I have previously enjoyed a regular cappuccino or vanilla latte at Black Sheep Coffee, but never dove into the food offerings, matchas, or festive coffees. Hungry and low on energy, I couldn't wait.

Firstly, what I love about Black Sheep Coffee is the ordering system is easy. You can order via the till if you prefer a classic experience or if you prefer you can order via the self-service machines, which I found easy to use. I noticed, while ordering in a Leeds city centre chain, that when selecting coffee options there are several bean options. I'm coffee obsessed but I'm no bean expert, so after asking staff I found them to be super helpful.

Also the prices are a lot more reasonable than other chains. You can get a festive meal deal - a drink of your choice plus a sandwich or toastie for £7.49.

I was disappointed as all the festive sandwiches were sold out. It's partially my fault as I did turn up around 3.30pm so peak lunchtime had passed, but I do often find that sandwiches are still available into late afternoon at most coffee houses. But, clearly they are high in demand so if you want to get your hands on the festive food I would get there earlier.

I decided to get a tuna melt instead, and also tried a hot matcha, iced matcha, and coffee from the from the festive range.

Gingerbread coffees are my favourite at this time of year - and by now I have tasted most big name coffee shops' versions. So the pressure was on. I thought for a regular size it was an appropriate price and the drink look so good with its tantalising whipped cream and gingerbread bits on top.

I was disappointed after giving it a stir to find that the coffee had significantly cooled down. It's freezing outside so at this time of year I need a hot drink, not slightly warm. There was too much whipped cream added that it ruined the temperature.

The coffee tasted lovely and the gingerbread flavour was present but not too overpowering - it's just right. While I enjoyed the coffee it is not the best festive drink I have ever had - it was a good coffee but not outstanding.

Rating 3/5

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Calling all mint chocolate chip fans - my favourite ice cream of all time - this one is for you. This is my dream drink. Smooth, tasty, creamy. It was like swimming in a bowl of mint chocolate chips.

It's heavenly, festive, and leaves you feeling minty fresh.

I also loved that I could taste the ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha but I didn't find it overpowering. Same with the frosty mint and white chocolate - you really get a taste of each element of the drink. Sometimes I find matcha drinks can be watery, but this was nothing of the sort.

I also tried the hot version of the drink, which I think is perfect for those who want to drink matcha but don't want to taste the green goodness - plus it tastes even more festive in this form. I normally only like matcha cold, but this flavour has totally changed the game. If I shut my eyes as I drank what tasted like peppermint haven, I could picture myself in Lapland sat by a firepit.

The White Mint Choc Matcha drinks range is my favourite of all the coffee shops' festive menus. I know all the influencers insist that Blank Street is the best - a chain which I also love - but for me, Black Sheep is now the best for trendy green drinks.

Rating 5/5

I've eaten many tuna melts in my time. They can be pretty basic but I would head back to Black Sheep Coffee for their take. It's no secret that coffee houses often shove pre packed sandwiches and toasties in a cooker for a few minutes and charge you a small fortune. By now, I've just become used to it. However, Black Sheep's felt different.

The sandwiches are presented nicely in a glass case and it was served on a plate with a napkin and tasted like it had just been made. Plus, I enjoyed that red onion was added to give it some extra flavour. The bread used is super soft and tasty as well. For all my tuna fans, I know everyone love's the viral Joe and the Juice tuna melt, but this one is the best.

Rating: 5/5

When I speak to my friends, family, work pals, or stalk my favourite celebrities on social media, I don't often see or hear them getting food or drink from Black Sheep Coffee. I think it is the most underrated chain coffee shop.

Black Sheep will now be my go-to for my matcha fix and when I'm in the mood for a toastie. But, next time I will turn up near noon to get my hands on the Brie and Cranberry Toastie and Festive Feast Sandwich.

For more information visit the or visit a chain near you.

Have you tried Black Sheep Coffee's Christmas menu? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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