To not return to Caffe Nero?

[dontrunwithscissors]

I've generally preferred Caffe Nero over other chain coffee shops. I travel a lot for work so I've been in many stores across the country. They are looking in need of repair, the staff seem eternally pissed off, and for some reason the shops are often cold. Yesterday, I was in a Caffe Nero when the air conditioning started blowing out cold air like it was summer. I (politely) asked the staff twice to increase the temperature, but nothing happened. The tables were covered in dirty dishes. I left earlier than planned as I was sat shivering with my coat on. To top if off, a dog was in there (not a service animal) that kept trying to lick my hand and was nearly tripping other customers up.

Yes, this is a first world problem, but AIBU to think that Caffe Nero needs to pull its socks up?

[Hygge]

If you're not happy with them for whatever reason then YANBU to go elsewhere.

I wouldn't want to sit at a dirty, uncleared table in a cold building with unhappy staff either.

The dog would have cheered me up no end. I don't have a problem with animals in cafes or pubs, but the owners do need to make sure they are not bothering other people.

[dontrunwithscissors]

X-posted. Yes, the family with the dog certainly didn't take responsibility. They plonked themselves at the big table in the middle of the shop and let the dog sprawl out, thereby blocking access to the back along one side. A number of people nearly went flying over it as they were carrying trays and didn't spot the dog on the floor. I'm used to dogs in Caffe Nero as my local one has a training centre for guide dogs for the blind, but they always make sure they're out of the way. I actually assumed that 'normal' dogs aren't allowed in. It's a good job I didn't have DD2 with me as she'd have run out the shop if a dog tried to lick her.

I've just noticed that quidco are offering 10% cashback on everything spent in caffe Nero. They've also been offering free drinks on O2 a lot this year. Combined with the free drink offer, that makes it quite a bit cheaper than Costa. I suspect the whole chain is struggling.

[TheSecondViola]

I don't understand about off milk making you ill either - what about yoghurt etc? My grandmother always used sour milk to make scones (can't remember why but it was supposed to be better in some way) and nobody was ever ill

Yoghurt is not gone off milk. Soured milk (like you use in scones) is not the same as gone off milk. Thats like saying whats wron with a mouldy dairylea triangle cos you can eat blue cheese.

[scarlets]

I find that Starbucks are lax when it comes to clearing tables and cleaning toilets. I've noticed this in half a dozen different branches. I visited one where the sanitary bin was overflowing with bloody towels. Starbucks is never my first choice but I'll go there if I'm with someone who likes it. Also, my local one is a very generous contributor to our school raffles.

Pret are great but the general theme in them IMO is a lack of visible management. The one I visited just before Chritsmas was chaotic, with hardworking student-aged staff trying in vain to organise things as the queue lengthened.

[Takeparacetamolandstopmoaning]

Their stores are often grubby I find but generally I like the decor. Coffee ok. We have 4 Costa, and a Nero within 1/4 of a mile but no independents :(

[Pipbin]

Fill out the survey at //www.mynerovisit.com.
Complaining here won't make any difference. If you complain there then it will get read.

[dontrunwithscissors]

I've filled out a complaint at mynerovisit.com, tweeted, and emailed maybe I have too much time on my hands.

I posted here as I was wondering whether my experiences of late are representative. This thread suggests that, while some stores have maintained standards, others have gone downhill. I certainly felt that the friendliness of staff and service has changed in the last year. The staff in my local store always made an effort to get to know regulars' names and make small talk while they served you. They always called a 'thank you' as you left. I liked that. They've stopped doing it. (But to be clear, I don't blame them. I would guess that most coffe shop chains aren't great places to work.)

[dontrunwithscissors]

Differing opinions on sour milk. The smell is stomach churning in itself. And it floats as horrible chunks in coffee.

[Teenagecrisisagain]

I don't go to caffe nero after a nasty incident when I was pregnant with ds1
I'd been feeling awful but dh persuaded me a walk and something to eat would help. As I had bad sickness everything tasted funny anyway

I had a hot chocolate and kept saying that it tasted horrible. She kept reassuring me it was just the nausea etc on the end I said no it's disgusting you try some

The cream was completely off. Dh complained and they wouldn't say sorry or give a refund !

[dontrunwithscissors]

On a tangent...what is it about American coffee shops that makes them so averse to using 'proper'/china cups, plates etc? I'm over there a lot and I don't think I've ever found a shop that doesn't use paper cups, regardless of whether you're taking it away or not. That really is wasteful.
Although 95% of American coffee tastes like shite, anyway.

[RufusTheReindeer]

Our two local cafe neros are fine, they are my favourite chain coffee shops

There are 3 costas in the nearest smallish market town!!

I had a dreadful coffeein the Neros in canary wharf, literally undrinkable...i was most put out

I am boycotting the costa in my village and using the independent as i think they should be supported as much as possible

[TheSecondViola]

Sour milk is perfectly edible actually. You can use it instead of buttermilk for pancakes. I'd hate it in my coffee though!

No, seriously, soured milk and spoiled milk are NOT the same thing at all. You don't use spoiled milk in pancakes.
You can use unpasteurised milk that has started to turn (sour) in things like pancakes. But when you pasteurise it you get rid of the good bacterias that allow milk to sour without being spoiled. So pasteurised milk that has one off is not suitable for cooking, drinking, or anything else, and can make you sick.

[TheSecondViola]

*that has gone off

[ForalltheSaints]

Support independent coffee shops as much as possible.

[ADishBestEatenCold]

Do Cafe Neros generally allow dogs in, dontrunwithscissors, or was it just that one branch?

[GoringBit]

Our local CN has friendly service and I like the coffee, but is definitely looking much the worse for wear. I go to an excellent local independent out of choice, but it's very small, and if there's standing room only, I'll use CN as plan B.

[MoMoTy]

ADish this one near me allows dogs in. Puts me off tbh.

[dontrunwithscissors]

I'm not sure. I know that my local shop has a sign on the door stating service animals only. However, I found a statement online from Caffe Nero saying they didn't have a set policy on animals in stores. I would guess that it varies between stores, although I found quite a few complaints online about dogs being allowed in/irresponsible owners so id guess its reasonably common.

[Bakeoffcake]

I used to like Nero out of all the coffee chains but they've recently really gone downhill IMO.
It seems to me that many chains start off with great quality, polite staff, clean etc then as soon as they establish a clientele and a good name, they start to cut corners, cut the quality and really go down hill.

Years ago Prezzo and pizza express used to be nice quality food. I wouldn't go in one now as I feel they're overpriced and rubbish quality.

We try to stick to good independent as much as possible.

[dontrunwithscissors]

I suppose I'm not too put out by dogs being allowed in, as long as they're kept out of the away. Although we would have to leave if I was with DD2 and the dog was anywhere near. She is absolutely terrified of them.

[iklboo]

The one I go to is good. I love the apricot croissants. A bit too much, unfortunately.

[TheChimpParadox]

Children in cafes puts me off
Dogs in cafes are not an issue .. They need the be well behaved and have a responsible owner. A bit like children - well behaved and responsible parents who don't allow them to run around or squeal ! Don't get me started on buggies everywhere !

[Wheretheresawill1]

The free waitrose coffee is better than the coffees from Nero, Starbucks and Costa