What’s your favourite chain coffee shop?

[Newnamenewname109870]

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.

None! I would do without.

Nero has the best coffee, although it's on the strong side. Costa and Starbucks both taste bitter and burnt to me. McDonald's coffee is undrinkable; I'd genuinely rather drink instant.

Costa. I don't like coffee but I do like their hot chocolate and tuna melt paninis. I like to sit in a window seat and watch the world go by whilst enjoying a drink I didn't make that I don't have to clean up after.

I was thinking about the big chains when I posted this. In terms of small chains though I discovered CUP (coffee under pressure which is good). They are in Bristol but having a peek at their website also Reading and Sutton Colfield.

Costa for us

Caffe Nero or Starbucks. Pret has great food but horrid coffee, and certainly not as nice of a cafe feel that coffee shops have. Costa is just meh.

I like Nero but sooo pricey but they do a mean almond croissant and I love those individually wrapped chocs . Greggs is usually my go to for takeaway. That’s said give me a caff over a café any day, I just love a greasy spoon, the more formica and undesirable clientele, the better 😂

I find them strong and bitter or very weak in Pret....I dont mind the McD coffee and its cheaper !...these chains charge huge prices, ridiculous but so do the few independants in my area now....£4 etc, i wont pay that, its robbery.

Starbucks as the fruit toast is amazing and good value.

I also clicked on just to laugh at these responses 😂

Coffee #1 for me. They seem more cosy and I like the Welsh cakes and the loose leaf tea.

Any port in a storm.. wouldn't discount any, but I'd rather use an independent one & sit outside with a ciggie (yes, I'm one of the dreaded smokers!) The best coffee I ever had was in a little cafe in Bridlington, & yes, I told the owner & staff, they were so chuffed, bless them!

I used to like Muffin Break but haven't been to one since before the pandemic. Pret is my indulgence when I'm in a city, though that's more about the food than the coffee. When in a Pret-free zone or on motorway journeys it's Greggs all the way.

(Americano or filter coffee, without milk or sugar, so there's nowhere for weakness or bitterness to hide. I've never trusted any of the chains enough to have an espresso there.)

Costa, the one near me is spotless which more than can be said for any of the other nearby chains.

I second that Coffee # ☕️ one cafe in Carmarthenshire S. wales uk

Cofio Lounge The former historic county courts turned cafe/resturant in Carmarthen Town centre near Waterstones posh books shop /BM store and the Boer 1st world 🌎 war soldier statue,

I like the olde elegance of the classy lampshades the Nature themed 🎨 Art work plus the Potrait paintings of eminent people of byegone era,

I also like Zinco cafe/restaurant in Swansea, nearby Macdonalds

I like also small niche independent cafes in side streets and elsewhere dotted around High streets in Swansea , and The marina Quarter too

Nero is OK too,
The one I have been in London somewhere,

I also like Costa coffee cafes in certain places in Swansea bus station , in my local Hospital handy to walk in for ever so often hospital appointment for Rumertoid Athritis and OestoAthritis,

Was Starbucks but have recently developed a "Chaiwalla" addiction. (Karak Chai £2.50).
I've taken to going to some seedy areas to get my fix 😂

Certain Starbucks cafes too, it depends I think

Gail’s. It’s quite mild coffee which I like. And the Christmas buns each year are something to look forward to.

True, but they lack the character of local cafes. That's not to say the folk working in chain coffee shops aren't friendly and welcoming and doing their best, it's just that it's all very corporate and standardized, such that the experience of going into Costa in Southampton is likely to very similar to going into Costa in Aberdeen. If that's what you want, then fine, as I suppose you know what you're getting.

And as for the prices, a 'tall' coffee-flavoured hot milk drink will be plus/minus 20p across all chains, and they'll all do you a slice of lemon drizzle cake for £3.90. 🙂

I think the whole ‘independent = better’ is a bit of a simplification too.

I mean sure, you’re supporting a local business and business owner, which is almost universally a good thing.

But let’s be honest, sometimes the coffee in some of the independents can be utterly terrible.

I’m lucky enough to live in central Edinburgh and we’re relatively well-served for independent cafes here. I’ve got a list in my head of the ones that can make an acceptable cup of coffee (and it even varies by staff member sometimes!) and the ones to avoid, that generally serve up reheated battery acid in a charmingly wonky mug.

I don't drink coffee out very often, I normally only have coffee first thing at home where my favourite beans are lavazza.

If I had to pick out of the big chains, my favourite is Nero. I prefer the coffee there.

I’m going to say Nero and not just because I work there. I was a customer before being employed by them, only got the job because I scared the manager by crying at him when I needed a job after splitting with my first husband!

Good for you!

Ooh we have one of those but I've not tried it yet as yes, area decidedly dodgy!

I reckon Caffe Nero should change the font on their logo. It always looks like Caffe Nerd to me.