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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:
Lemoncurd · 31/03/2023 17:49

Big chain - Pret but would prefer Gail's or Ole & Steen if there was one nearby.

FlutterbButterfly · 31/03/2023 17:50

Nero

But used to like Esquires buy our chain has gone not sure if they have pulled out of UK altogether or not. Off to Google....

Andanotherone01 · 31/03/2023 17:50

Gail’s

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Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 18:11

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 👍

I didn’t realise that about Starbucks being more ethical, that’s interesting. I know Costa rave about how good they are training up local people so I wasn’t sure.

Im not a latte fan so not don’t love Starbucks for that. I think I find the atmosphere in Starbucks a little annoying.

TBF in costa I go for flat whites and way prefer their alt milks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 18:11

I don’t really like pret coffee! Or McDonald’s.

OP posts:
willowstar · 31/03/2023 18:25

Coco di mama if I am at work in London, though a lot of them seem to have closed down. They use allpress coffee beans which I really like.

Otherwise I think Nero is the best chain.

User639762456 · 31/03/2023 18:34

Marks and Spencer cafe, does they count.

redspottedmug · 31/03/2023 18:41

Coffee #1 does loose tea in a teapot, so it gets my vote.

RaraRachael · 31/03/2023 18:49

We don't have any of the chains anywhere near us but I prefer Costa when I do use one, especially their hot chocolate although I have finally realised that I have to ask for Extra Hot so that it's anywhere near an acceptable temperature.

Never been in a Pret or Cafe Nero but had a spell of frequenting Starbucks due to my daughter's obsession with it. Their latte is absolutely vile - weak and utterly tasteless.

Leakingtoilet · 31/03/2023 18:55

Another vote for macdonalds!

Housenoob · 31/03/2023 19:05

I do like McDonald's coffee, but I wish they did oat milk! I find any coffee made with cows milk heavy and disgusting now, unless it's an Americano with just a dash of milk. I feel like oat milk makes even the worst coffee taste somewhat acceptable.

GoodChat · 31/03/2023 19:08

I've recently discovered Coffee #1 and I'm a big fan but there are drive thru costas here so that tends to be my go to, although I don't think their coffee is as nice as Starbucks or Coffee #1

Favouritefruits · 31/03/2023 19:10

Nero, I like the atmosphere and the interior design , Costa always reminds me of the old littlewoods cafes. My favourite is my local clip’n’climb their hot drinks are amazing not sure what brand they use.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 31/03/2023 19:14

Starbucks for me. Dh would say Mac Donald’s.

Mostar · 31/03/2023 19:17

Having a favourite chain coffee shop is like having a favourite brand of lightbulb.

Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 19:17

Knullrufs · 31/03/2023 13:08

Leon coffee is pretty much the best of the chains. Coco di Mama is fab too although there aren't many of them outside London.

I used to like Pret but their coffee has gone quite plasticky tasting of late. Starbucks is basic jump-leads-in-a-cup but generally OK. Nero coffee is quite nice but the way they manage queues is weird and stressful.

I agree pret has gone downhill

OP posts:
Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 19:18

Mostar · 31/03/2023 19:17

Having a favourite chain coffee shop is like having a favourite brand of lightbulb.

Why? they have different coffee types, food, prices and general atmosphere.

OP posts:
Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 19:19

Housenoob · 31/03/2023 19:05

I do like McDonald's coffee, but I wish they did oat milk! I find any coffee made with cows milk heavy and disgusting now, unless it's an Americano with just a dash of milk. I feel like oat milk makes even the worst coffee taste somewhat acceptable.

Agreed!

Ill admit I had a Costa cappuccino with cows milk recently (my default is oat) and I didn’t like it at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Newnamenewname109870 · 31/03/2023 19:21

CallieQ · 31/03/2023 12:24

Avoid all chains.. independent cafes better

What if you’re driving and there are only chain drive throughs? Or would you completely go without?

OP posts:
TerfIngOnTheBeach · 31/03/2023 19:22

Nero or Starbucks, Costa is horrid coffee, Pret ok ish.

GoodChat · 31/03/2023 19:22

Mostar · 31/03/2023 19:17

Having a favourite chain coffee shop is like having a favourite brand of lightbulb.

Only if you have no idea about coffee

MrsHughesPinny · 31/03/2023 19:24

@KimberleyClark Must live near me! The guy that opened Coffi Lab used to own Coffee #1, I believe. I absolutely love Coffi Lab, their cakes are amazing!

Thursdayschild7 · 31/03/2023 19:25

Pret. The others generally look in need of a deep clean to me. 🧐

SleepingStandingUp · 31/03/2023 19:27

Mostar · 31/03/2023 19:17

Having a favourite chain coffee shop is like having a favourite brand of lightbulb.

Light bulbs now come with variable quality and range of cake?? Omg. Which light bulbs do the best carrot cake??

SleepingStandingUp · 31/03/2023 19:27

Second Cup have the best variety of everything

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