As the title says. Can anyone recommend a workshop manual. ie the ebay ones, has anyone bought one? Thanks

Try BMW's TIS. If you search for it, you will find a 2007 version on the web... It's a good start, especially if working on your car's interior. Unfortunately I couldn't find any newer version than that, but it does cover the R56 MINI.

Other than that I am expecting Bentley Publisher's manual to be released sometime soon...
MINI Cooper Service Manual: 2007-2011 *-* Bentley Publishers - Repair Manuals and Automotive Books (http://www.bentleypublishers.com/mini/repair-information/mini-cooper-service-manual-2007-2011.html)