TUCKED away off the city High Street beneath a mustard-coloured sign is a bakery that had been nationally recognised as one of the best in the UK - and we have popped in for a visit.

Peter Cooks Bread was named as one of the best bakeries in the country at this year's National Bakery Awards, being named as the best bakery in the West Midlands.

Upon visiting the bakery in the city centre I was taken aback by its distinctive look from the outside. 

It looked a little out of place, looking more like what you might see in a quaint Worcestershire village than what I had expected to see in the city centre. 

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After walking up the steps and into the store, a waft smelling of baked goods was quickly noticed. 

The bakery assistant was immediately helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the products on display. 

Unfortunately having visited in the early afternoon the selection of breads was smaller than I had expected but I decided to treat my sweet tooth instead. 

I had fancied a muffin (or a selection of muffins) but none were available. 

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Instead I decided on a cruffin, a dessert somewhere in between a muffin and a croissant. 

The options were vanilla custard or chocolate custard so obviously I went with the chocolate option. 

I did ask what the most popular item was and apparently it's the almond croissant. 

Having never had a cruffin before I was pleasantly surprised. 

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It is something I would have again, although I'm not sure it would be my go-to-pick if muffins were available in the future. 

I would say the whole experience was a solid 8/10. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and they provided a great atmosphere and experience. 

From a personal standpoint what let the ranking down had to be the £5.50 price tag and a little disappointment at the range of products that were available. 

Should I return I'll make sure to try the vanilla custard cruffin as well.