Expert's verdict:7.5/10



?The product looks distinctive and gets across the Guinness branding very well, offering a fresh look on shelf. The bread has a taste which leaves you wanting more, and the product is moist and has a texture more like cake than bread. It will appeal to the target market, but at £1.50 the price is a little on the high side. However, for that special occasion the price should not prove to be a barrier. This is a good all-round product and the taste offers something new. It's a winner.

Nigel Ashton, category controller, Nisa-Today's

Consumer's verdict7.5/10



?Wrapped in the Guinness livery, this loaf stands out in the bread aisle, but whether that'll be enough to persuade people it is worth its top-end price tag is another question. This compact, moist loaf is moreish, slices easily and doesn't crumble. It also tastes great with salmon and scrambled eggs. But despite boasting 17% real Guinness content, the beer's flavour doesn't really come through as strongly as you'd expect, which is disappointing. That said, it's a nice piece of bread that might become an occasional treat for people looking for something a bit different.

Simon Creasey, freelance writer, London



A year down the line... Martha & Lawrence ready meals Company: Martha & Lawrence Launch price: £2.59 Today's price: £2.59 Acid test verdict: 2.5 stars





The range of kids' ready meals is being reformulated for relaunch in the autumn, having struggled to win over consumers. The company said establishing the range, made from locally-sourced vegetables and beef, had been a challenge because of "its seven-day shelf life and the fact that children's meals is not a mainstream category". The brand

has introduced adult

ready-to-cook meals using local ingredients.

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