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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:
EternalSunshine19 · 31/03/2023 13:10

Starbucks. Their iced chai lattes are the best. No one does them like starbucks, its just a shame starbucks is so expensive

knittingaddict · 31/03/2023 13:10

Decent coffee? Coffee 1.

As I said on the other coffee shop thread, cakes in all the chains are disappointing with a few notable exceptions.

We are lucky to live in a city with lots of great independent coffee shops and I prefer to use those.

Kta7 · 31/03/2023 13:21

Hardbackwriter · 31/03/2023 12:32

I knew you'd still get all the 'I would never dream of anything but an independent' people despite you heading them off in the first line, OP!

Lol me too, clicked on the thread especially to read them

Interested in this thread?

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General food
Toddlerteaplease · 31/03/2023 13:24

Neros. As the staff know me.

Leggingslife · 31/03/2023 13:24

Costa
Greggs

Arapawa · 31/03/2023 13:26

I think Nero had the best coffee but they are all so scabby now. Costa's coffee is rank as is Starbucks and I never visit them. I wouldn't go to Starbucks anyway due to their partnership with Mermaids, the charity who advocate for childhood sterilisation and opposite sex drugs.
Never liked Pret coffee - too wishy washy.
Best coffee I have is at home. Grind fresh beans and use plunger. Nice toilets too!

mrsorangepyjamas · 31/03/2023 13:31

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.

This is very weird, Costa is the only one I can drink because Starbucks and Cafe Nero (and Coffee#1 because they are now owned by Nero) taste burnt to me! Just goes to show how peoples tastes differ so much.

NotAnotherBathBomb · 31/03/2023 13:57

Starbucks, their caramel frappuccino cannot be matched by any other chain (I've tried)

ShesThunderstorms · 31/03/2023 13:59

I think Nero or Pret do the best coffee of all the chains. Sadly I don't have either near me, and no independent ones in our town, so I'm stuck with Costa if I want a coffee.

mondaytosunday · 31/03/2023 14:08

Café Nero as they have the best frappes snd almond croissants. Or they did haven't actually been for years.
I don't like Starbucks I don't like their coffee.
Cista is the one i go to most as it's in the Wightlink ferry that I use at least four times a month.

24KaratCucumber · 31/03/2023 14:10

McDonalds do nicer coffee ime than Costa, Starbucks etc.

fourhours · 31/03/2023 14:13

I used to rate McDonald's coffee too but sadly can only have it black now im lactose intolerant.

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 31/03/2023 14:17

I like a Greggs cappuccino and don't mind a McDonald's.
Prefer them to Starbucks or Costa and Nero is too strong for me!

I do prefer independent ones though!

Geranium1984 · 31/03/2023 17:00

Gails and pret

neonjumper · 31/03/2023 17:03

Greggs or McDonald's for white coffee and costa for a chai latte.

Anycolouryoulike · 31/03/2023 17:03

Neros.

generalexpert · 31/03/2023 17:15

Nero or Pret.

Starbucks is pisswasser

MotherWol · 31/03/2023 17:19

Generally Pret, it’s a decent discount if you have a reusable cup and they don’t charge extra for oat milk. Never Costa, why are their flat whites enormous? Gail’s only for pastries, their coffee is wildly overpriced.

Mueslikid · 31/03/2023 17:26

Pret is nice, the food is good, it’s usually bright and clean.

Nero has quite good cakes, and the coffee is Ok.

Costa or Starbucks I always find dingy, dark, grubby and totally uncongenial. I’d only go there if it was the only option, I’d much rather McDonalds or Burger King or Greggs.

Lulu1919 · 31/03/2023 17:30

#coffee1

bellocchild · 31/03/2023 17:31

Costa every time. The staff are lovely, and they remember what you like!

Butteredtoast55 · 31/03/2023 17:41

In order of favourites: Pret (flavourful and strong coffee and food is good), Nero (like the coffee but nothing else), Costa (for hot chocolate or coffee but not food) and I can't stand Starbucks (watery and tasteless)

Wild card is M & S for lovely coffee, nice hot chocolate and the best food.

EssexMamisoa · 31/03/2023 17:44

Costa. I’m a sucker for loyalty stamps plus I like their chai lattes. Do also like Starbucks

Ragwort · 31/03/2023 17:48

Agree with others that McDonalds coffee is surprisingly good.

Nero or Pret probably... we have Coffee #1 locally and it's beautifully done up with a lovely atmosphere... but I just didn't like the coffee much. Had a Starbucks last year (once!) and it was almost undrinkable and appalling service, don't enjoy Costa coffee.

Ragwort · 31/03/2023 17:48

Good point about M & S ... reliably good coffee and food.

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