Cafes are no longer pleasant experiences

[GeorgeA12]

Just that really. I used to look forward to having a drink and a bite to eat in cafes, it was nice and relaxing. But no longer, some examples and you always get at least one or two now.

The expense, its getting crazy.
People on mobile phones making noise
Elderly on mobile phones with the speaker on so you can hear the other person.
Dogs
Toddlers
Keyboard warriors
Staff attitudes
Small portions / cheap ingredients
Wobbly and dirty tables
Poor toilet hygiene
Advertising screens (yes there was one in M & S today which really bright)

Anyone else the same?

You’re going to the wrong cafes.

You are either going to the wrong cafes, or turning into a misery guys with no tolerance.

I think eating out generally just isn’t worth the money at the moment. Have been in Europe over the summer and even though their prices have definitely gone up as well, the experience in most cafes and restaurants was so much more pleasant. We went out in central London the other night and spent over £100 on an average meal for 3 (no alcohol) in just 50 minutes, being hurried along by the server who clearly wanted us out and the next party in. Not worth it!

Keyboard warriors? How do they affect your cafe visit?

I think the big (rip off) chain coffee shops are like this, but the small independent ones around my local area are nothing like you describe.

The noise of them bashing the keys if they are on the table next to me!

Yes I was in an M & S one today and it was bad!

I don’t want to agree, because misery guts. But I do. I’m mid 30s but sometimes do really wish I could have experienced an adulthood without the technology that’s been around almost all my life. It’s just constant in places like cafes. Typists on laptops.. constant phone calls… kids on YouTube.. even myself I can’t help but check my phone every 10 mins even if I’m talking with someone it’s horrible.

@Hypercatalectic Agree, eating outside of the UK a much better and more pleasant experience. Sorry to hear that, add 'being rushed' to my list too.

As you mention M&S.

the self service screens.

its just so impersonal now.

what if I want to request brown bread not white bread and the like.

no one seems to care.

There are lots of cafes in and around us, most great independents. The chain ones are the worst. If we are out and about in an area that has only chain cafes we go into a local nice hotel and have coffee.

Stop going into cafes then. I never have any of these problems.

Maybe they think you drink too loudly? I'm thinking your the problem here

A cafe in a chain store is never going to be a great experience, to be honest. Just find a good independent - there are plenty of them.

@MeganM3 Im old enough to remember going to a cafe and it was just the nice sound of chatting of people thats all. The inconsideration seems to be everywhere now, buses, trains, concerts etc.

No I am considerate.

Our two local cafes are really nice. Nice tables, friendly staff and good food. It’s probably quite expensive but worth it. There is usually a couple of dogs, sometimes mine, but they’re always well behaved. They get a treat from the staff and then snooze.

Maybe you’re becoming less tolerant of people living their lives.

It’s a cafe not a library

Surely a bit of human noise is ok in a public place?

Chain cafes are never great and they're always busy, but they serve a purpose. You need to be more choosy if you want to enjoy the experience.

I did - and then a dog turned up with its owner and sat next to me when having my lunch.

I can tell you as someone who lived in London & Paris, and Dublin, as a young person. Yes, it was brilliant. I often took myself out for shopping, lunch, coffee… I saw a woman sitting outside a cafe today, just enjoying her latte. No phone, just being. Lovely!

Yes! Just allowed to be herself and enjoy her coffee. Thats what I want.

I agree about the expense, but aside from that I don't think there were ever halcyon days where cafes were quiet, particularly clean or relaxing, nor did they ever serve high quality food. But I'm old enough to remember the local cafe of my childhood which was permanently thick with pipe smoke.

Also don't agree that independents are typically better. They're as much a mixed bag as the chains.

There are some lovely little cafes in my small town that are a pleasure to visit but they are all independents. I think this makes a difference.

I agree, actually, and it’s not always the Costas and Starbucks where this goes on. Also, people on work calls or having work meetings is more of a thing. I was in a cathedral cafe yesterday that I’ve always really enjoyed and had to put on noise-cancelling headphones because two work meetings were going on and in each, one person talked at everyone else and didn’t understand the concept of an ‘indoor voice’. All the best tables in my gym’s cafe are colonised for hours in the same way. Sometimes you can hear details that really should be confidential being broadcast to all and sundry.