BREAKING: Australians living in London are voicing their shock over M&S Food’s new lamingtons, prompting an urgent taste test and a wave of reactions across social media. The iconic Australian treat is now available in the UK, but taste testers are questioning whether these chocolate-covered cakes truly represent the classic lamington.
Earlier today, M&S Food officially launched two versions of lamingtons, stirring excitement and confusion among Australian expatriates. One tester exclaimed, “Sorry, did you say lemingtons? Are they like, tropical fruits?” This remark highlights the cultural gap as many Brits remain unaware of the beloved Australian dessert.
The lamington, originating in Queensland in the 1890s, was created when Lord Lamington’s chef dipped leftover sponge cake in chocolate and rolled it in coconut. M&S Chocolate & Coconut Lamingtons, priced at £4 for two, were the first to be sampled. M&S describes them as cubes of chocolate sponge coated in chocolate and coconut, topped with buttercream and jam. However, the taste test revealed a shocking twist: rather than the expected fluffy vanilla sponge, testers found a dense chocolate cake.
One disappointed reviewer stated, “A cubed cake does not a lamington make!” Despite the initial letdown, the group agreed that the cake was enjoyable, praising its rich flavor and texture, albeit not as a true lamington.
Next up was the M&S Caramelised Biscuit Lamingtons, also priced at £4 for two. This version strayed even further from tradition, featuring chocolate sponge coated in caramelised biscuit crumbs and topped with buttercream and salted caramel sauce. While some testers felt it strayed too far from the classic lamington profile, others enjoyed its unique taste, with one saying, “I wish I could call this an abomination… but this was actually really good.”
The taste test has sparked a lively debate online, with many Australians expressing nostalgia and disappointment over the interpretations of their cherished treat. Daisy Green, an Australian restaurant group, has been sending lamingtons to first responders since 2020, and one of its representatives remarked, “It’s a nice cake, but not sure Lord Lamington would put his name to it.”
As more Australians in London discover these M&S lamingtons, the conversation is expected to grow. Will they embrace this new take on a classic, or will the lamington remain a sacred symbol of Australian heritage? Stay tuned for more reactions as this story develops.
