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Original poster

What’s your favourite chain coffee shop?

127 replies

Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 09:24

Yes I know independents are much better (and I do support mine!) but when there’s no other option or the independents are shut, where do you go? Or maybe you have a favourite drink from one?

I actually quite like Nero and their Italian treats but there isn’t one near me. So I’m probably a costa girl. I like their Mac n cheese and their coffees are standard and good. Starbucks is always so busy, I don’t like giving my name and their coffees are small and weak. Saying that, I do love a caramel macchiato every now and then.

I see Pret as a busy lunch place and don’t feel I can sit in there very long so don’t tend to go there.

OP posts:
Thighdentitycrisis · 31/03/2023 09:29

Pret

BigTedLittleTedCardboardBox · 31/03/2023 09:30

Nero, as they allow dogs and have a friendlier atmosphere generally

snowbellsxox · 31/03/2023 09:33

Starbucks

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General food
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 31/03/2023 09:36

I think they’ve all moved down market. I used to go to them all. Nero was probably the best.

Pret is the best now. But l never go in any of them.

kernowpicklepie · 31/03/2023 09:36

Nero or Starbucks. Neither of which are that close to me.
I find Costa coffee too bitter, I've never had a decent one. Even with loads of sugar it always just tastes like they've burnt it and I can never drink them.

KimberleyClark · 31/03/2023 09:37

Coffee #1, and Coffi Lab which is a dog friendly chain local to me which supports guide dogs.

MermaidEyes · 31/03/2023 09:38

Starbucks do the best latte and I have a lovely local one with friendly staff.

RedCarsGoFaster · 31/03/2023 09:39

Mcdonalds. Their coffee is amongst the best available in the chains. And actually affordable.

Vliss · 31/03/2023 09:41

Dd brings lots of free Costa food home (she has a part time job there). It goes in the bin as it's all pretty disgusting.

Jitterybugs · 31/03/2023 09:42

Greggs do a rather nice flat white. I have a weekly free one there courtesy of my O2 mobile app. I know how to live.

Vliss · 31/03/2023 09:42

The macdonalds coffee isn't bad. If I'm on a long drive I take my own almond milk and get a black coffee from there.

Dd bought a Starbucks Chai latte thing the other day and it was undrinkable. Pure sugar with an unpleasant burning cinnamon taste.

Triflenot · 31/03/2023 12:04

Can’t drink the coffee in Starbucks or Costa, so avoid all chains since.

FionnulaTheCooler · 31/03/2023 12:09

Costa, but I don't actually like coffee. I only go for their mint choc chip frostino.

booboo82 · 31/03/2023 12:13

Starbucks all the way , costa use cheap beans and not ethically sourced which is why the coffee tastes like shit , starbucks use more expensive beans but do work extensively with farmers and ethically source their beans 🫘 and the coffee tastes good 👍

teneastereggs · 31/03/2023 12:20

Starbucks

CallieQ · 31/03/2023 12:24

Avoid all chains.. independent cafes better

toastofthetown · 31/03/2023 12:25

Starbucks, as their seasonal drinks appeal to me more, and I love a caramel macchiato.

SleepingStandingUp · 31/03/2023 12:26

Depends on the shop and team.
Our local one in town I've used for years. My friend and I could sit in there in our 20s and talk boys and work, then men and kids and work in our 30s now early 40s. I an take my kids I nand feel were not overly judged. It's open til 8 so useful for a quickie after gymnastics. It's quiet in the day so I can sit and study. They know my name and we can have a low level chat.
The Costa in town A always felt like it was rushing you out so we'd do it with the kids when we weren't relaxing just eating and leaving. Staff now are more relaxed so I go in more now.

In town B, Costa was near the station, friendly staff. Starbucks was in town, less friendly staff. I used Costa more. Now Costa has moved, it's a bit more hit and miss and they're v close to each other.

Generally I like a Mocha Frap with Peppermint Syrup.

toastofthetown · 31/03/2023 12:26

CallieQ · 31/03/2023 12:24

Avoid all chains.. independent cafes better

Perhaps you someone missed the first line of the OP:
Yes I know independents are much better (and I do support mine!) but when there’s no other option or the independents are shut, where do you go?

SleepingStandingUp · 31/03/2023 12:26

toastofthetown · 31/03/2023 12:26

Perhaps you someone missed the first line of the OP:
Yes I know independents are much better (and I do support mine!) but when there’s no other option or the independents are shut, where do you go?

Show quote history

Presumably she goes thirsty

Kitcaterpillar · 31/03/2023 12:27

CallieQ · 31/03/2023 12:24

Avoid all chains.. independent cafes better

They mostly are, but they also can't provide the longer opening hours that chains can. In my town, if you want something before 10 or after 4, you need to use a chain.

To answer the question: Pret or Nero

ZittiEBuoni · 31/03/2023 12:27

In my town Coffee#1 is the nicest, has a really pleasant vibe, lovely staff and the cakes are the best.

I've been to other branches and not liked them half as much though.

Bluevelvetsofa · 31/03/2023 12:27

None. A local independent roaster is our go to if we have a coffee out (rarely)

Hardbackwriter · 31/03/2023 12:29

Nero, though Costa have recently won my favour through their chocolate babyccinos. Well, they've won my two year old's favour but this amounts to the same thing...

SwedishEdith · 31/03/2023 12:31

Never Starbucks. The Costa coffee as part of the Sainsbury's meal deal is really good value and actually quite nice. I only drink with no sugar though.