Go Bananas: Black Sheep Coffee’s New Spring Menu Review

Black Sheep Coffee launched their banana‑powered Banana Arcade menu on 18 March, described as bringing nostalgic flavour, feel‑good energy and comfort‑first textures together. Inspired by retro arcades and playful escapism, the range leans into mood‑boosting flavours and indulgent blends that feel familiar yet fun. The limited‑edition line‑up includes iced banana lattes, matcha frappes, fresh wraps and a vibrant açaí bowl.  

We tried the Iced banana latte (decaf, with oat milk) at Principal Place. It’s billed as espresso, banana syrup, salted caramel and creamy whole milk, served over ice for a smooth, chilled hit of nostalgic sweetness. The banana fksvour dues nit taste particularly natural, but it’s not overpowering, and we couldn’t taste the salted caramel at all. A more natural banana taste would improve it. This would likely suit someone who regularly enjoys flavoured coffees and wants to try something different.

Our second drink was the Banana matcha latte (with oat milk) at the Bishopsgate location. Described as a ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha paired with banana syrup, salted caramel and creamy whole milk, we felt this  combination worked better. The taste of banana actually pops more her than in the coffee version and reduces the bitterness of matcha, without being too overpowering. Again we couldn’t detect any distinct taste of salted caramel. There was a good balance of matcha and banana, and we’d order this again.

The full drinks range includes

• Iced Banana Latte
• Banana Latte
• Iced Banana Matcha Latte
• Banana Matcha Latte
• Coffee & Banana Frappe- 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee, banana syrup, salted caramel, whole milk and ice.
• Banana Matcha Frappe- Ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha blended with banana syrup, salted caramel, whole milk and ice to provide matcha meets milkshake energy.

There are also new spring eats. The raspberry Pistachio acai bowl has potential. It’s described as a refreshing blend of antioxidant-rich organic frozen acai, topped with whole pistachios, fresh raspberries and finished with pistachio sauce but it doesn’t white live up to this description.  There was a generous amount of pistachios and frozen raspberries, and the flavour combination worked well together. The green pistachio sauce had a subtle, nutty flavour that wasn’t too sweet or overpowering. The portion size was just right and the ratio of acai to fruit was spot on.  However, the combination of frozen acai and frozen raspberries makes the dish difficult to eat. Using fresh raspberries would improve this.  The ingredients list mentions honey nut granola, but neither testers had granola in their bowls. At over £8, we questioned whether the price felt fully justified. Overall, it’s a healthy and refreshing dish better suited for warm days and summer.

The Vietnamese-style chicken comprises carrot, red onion and coriander slaw, with crisp lettuce in a soft white tortilla. The honey mustard  chicken wrap contains tender chicken with wholegrain mustard and honey mayonnaise, Parmigiano Reggiano and lettuce in a seeded wrap. Both are served cold. 

Overall, the Banana Arcade menu shows plenty of creativity. There are bright spots across the range, yet a few tweaks to flavour balance and texture would help the menu live up to its playful, nostalgic concept.

Website: https://blacksheepcoffee.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_sheep_coffee

Written by Veera Saarelainen