To wonder what's so great about Starbucks?

[ACatCalledColin]

Every time I go in there, it's always overcrowded and there's nowhere to sit or if it's not crowded the tables are usually still filthy from previous customers and nobody's bothering to clear them up .

The coffee is okay but certainly not anything to write home about. I quite like their hot chocolate (especially with some caramel syrup) and frappes though. Unfortunately I always seem to get dragged in there by friends on shopping trips as they all seem to love it.

Even my 14 year old sister has started going there with friends after school and at weekends and they usually go for the coffee rather than the frappes. And she raves about Starbucks a lot these days too.

Do they hypnotize you into coming back for more of their dirty dishwater coffee? Are they trying to take over the world?

[IDugUpADiamond]

Their coffee tastes like it's been made from percolated ashes

[IDugUpADiamond]

Their chocolate chunk shortbread on the other hand...

[ACatCalledColin]

Now I wouldn't go that far.

[Davsmum]

I don't understand the appeal either - but then I hate coffee! I have been in with friends who rave about it ( God knows why) I reckon its one of those 'fad' things that people do so often because its what 'cool' people do.
I would rather go into a normal cafe

[ACatCalledColin]

Their chocolate chunk shortbread on the other hand...

I prefer their cookies.

But I would take Costas lemon cake over either.

[ACatCalledColin]

You see, I wouldn't call it a fad. I would say Starbucks is a more long term success than a fad. But the question is - why? What do they do right that other places don't?

[picnicbasketcase]

It's a large chain and easy to find. The drinks and snacks are just average, same as you'd get anywhere really.

[CharityCase]

Consistency- same reason Mcdonalds and pizza express are popular. Might not be the best burger/ pizza/ coffee but it never disappoints vs what you got there last time. You go in Starbucks and you know what you're getting. And they're quick and they open at 7am. Too many of the independents are too slow and open at ridiculous o'clock and then spend 15 mins warming up the machine.

I'm not personally a fan but I can see why they do well

[AllMimsyWereTheBorogroves]

I avoid Starbucks on principle because they worked so hard at avoiding paying tax in the UK. I see they have now decided for PR purposes they'd better pay some. Too little, too late. I'd rather hand over my money to a UK company that doesn't see corporation tax as optional.

[Nocomet]

Crap coffee, but steak panninis

Cafe Nero coffee much nicer
Costa OK

But I still put up with Charbucks nasty coffee for a steak pannini once in a while.

Sadly, MacDonalds have ruined their coffee, so the cheap skate option has been ruined. Very, very very annoying. I liked apple pie, coffee and MN while DD does gym.

[Nancy66]

I get why teenagers and the mother/baby crowd congregate there. It's about having a place to be rather than the coffee.

Most independent coffee shops don't want that crowd because they loiter too long and don't spend enough money.

[JennySense]

anyone see the programme about coffee shops this week?

[Mintyy]

Starbucks coffee is undrinkable imo.

[WorraLiberty]

I've never been in a Starbucks despite the fact we're tripping over them here.

Met a friend in a Costa once and couldn't see why it was so popular.

[WitchWay]

I hate Starbucks coffee - watery, nasty-tasting & far too big even the smallest sizes. Urgh. Costa is a bit better. Caffe Nero is a bit better still. Nowhere near as good as my cafetiere at home.

[WheresRyder]

I don't go to Starbucks as I don't like their coffee. If its a chain its usually Costa.

[notso]

Cons, the coffee is cold and crap, the service is s.l.o.w and the tables are usually manky.
Pros, they do a child sized hot chocolate that doesn't cost a fortune,
the cheese and marmite panini is amazing.

[ArsePaste]

I'm an ex-Starbucks head office employee. Frankly, you couldn't pay me to eat in one. The coffee isn't that bad, but I usually have the chai latte. About once a year. And I have an eggnog latte once a year too. Maybe. But I don't eat the food.

[WilsonFrickett]

I like a chai latte and there is one nice one near me which is very bright and open late so if you're hanging round in town waiting to meet DP from work, which I sometimes do, it's better than going to a pub on your own.

Free Wi-Fi and ability to spin a drink out for hours makes sense too. And it's always fun to give a false name for your cup. But nah, it's not all that.

Mind you, I used to work for a big bank and the Starbucks prices were subsidised and bugger me sideways if I'm paying full price! I usually walk in, think 'oh a tall latte's £1.20 isn't it?' Check the board and walk right out again!

[YouTheCat]

Starbucks is crap.

Caffe Nero is much better. Even Costa is better than Starbucks.

[Pickles79]

Starbucks is overrated. Much like Nandos.

[crypes]

Does macdonalds coffee ever cool down ? Even enough to sip? I've never tasted such disgusting scalding liquid in my life.

[wowfudge]

Nothing. Except perhaps the free wi-fi.

The coffee is insipid.

[lau55]

Arsepaste...you have to tell more!!

[Chocotrekkie]

I think if you can spend ages with free wifi on a comfy sofa chatting to friends/family or reading a book in peace for a couple of quid is fab.

Going out to bring coffee back to the office where we get perfectly good kenco for free confuses me.