Coffee, doughnuts and comfort – what’s not to like?

The Tim Hortons invasion is happening so brace yourselves for Canadian coffee and doughnuts popping up across the UK.

At least, that’s how “Timmies” works here in Canada. Crowds did cram into its new restaurant on Argyle Street in Glasgow, which opened in May, and there are plans to open two more in Glasgow plus restaurants in Wales, Manchester and other places.

But will it hook British consumers? That remains to be seen, and I’ll be watching closely because the chain has fascinated me for years. I think it’s phenomenal, but not like Irn-Bru. I’m talking about the scale, not the quality, of Tim Hortons, which serves two billion cups of coffee every year in Canada and has to be seen to be understood.

Its red logo, bearing the name of the ice hockey player who was its founder in 1964, can be seen in all but the tiniest communities. It’s in any urban area, often on multiple sites within a short walk. The chain serves more food in Canada than McDonald’s and accounts for a quarter of the country’s fast-food spending. Everybody wants their Timmies.

But the good part isn’t the coffee. I recently wrote in this newspaper about the risks of caffeine and I have indeed cut down. I like Tim Hortons’ coffee, but spending a little more, especially at a small business, will get you better. The fascination lies in the culture. It’s in the experience of coming together in a familiar place where there’s reasonable, affordable coffee, doughnuts, and maybe a sandwich. It’s like old-fashioned pub culture without the alcohol. It’s comfortable and, despite being part of a multinational company now, Tim Hortons is a quintessentially Canadian brand and experience, and part of the national identity.

That’s why I’m drawn to it. I feel I have some insight because Scots understand identity. Canadians love Timmies because it’s familiar, and civilised, and theirs. Also, as a Scot, I have enjoyed several types of baked goods and, while I encourage good health choices, everybody needs a doughnut now and then.

Try the Canadian maple. Mmmm. Maybe this will catch on, after all.

Everybody wants their Timmies