Costa Coffee — Restaurant in Birmingham

Staff would rather chat among themselves than serve you. I visit this branch of Costa fairly regularly and I’ve put off reviewing it for a while in the hope it would get better. I’m not usually fussed about great service when all you’re paying for is a coffee and a sandwich - I’m not expecting Michelin star service. But, some acknowledgment that you are waiting to be served would be great. And when you are served, the focus is never on you but what the other staff are doing behind them. More often than not you’re left hanging mid-way through ordering a coffee because one of the other members of staff has interrupted. I mean come on… I’m only ordering a coffee! The frustration becomes even more real when a friend of the staff or regular comes in and jumps the queue of waiting people, hands their reusable cup to their friend behind the counter and gets served straight away. The store has had a lovely refit and is generally well stocked with cakes, sandwiches, etc. It is more often than not let down by tables full of empty cups, plates and glasses. On the occasions I’ve eaten in, every time I have had to clear the table myself. The staff let this place down by being vaguely present while they chat...

So, really not one to leave bad reviews. Having work in similar jobs in the past I know how stressful it can be when a store is busy - this is not a rant about the staff. we have been to this Costa a few times before , and it’s been a bit slow but it’s not been busy so it’s been fine . However, joined a que of about 15 people this morning. So knew a bit of wait was in order, but with five members of staff, I am stunned that after around a 40 min in the que we had to abandoned ship as we weren’t going to be served any time soon/ looked like a long wait again after ordering. Honestly, I’ve never know such slow service. Went to a different Costa instead, same que length, 3 members of staff, ordered in about 5 mins, had my coffee in about 7mins… I think the staff in this store could do with some support/ training to learn how to serve a bit quicker/ handling the exceptions of a busy store . It looked like one guy was making drinks, and I’m not sure the other staff were assisting...

On Our first visit to this costa Kelsey was so professional her caring skills were excellent thankyou However our 2nd visit yesterday wasn't so great, we are of older generation in our 60s ,and have to say the young members of staff weren't entirely listening to our order they were enjoying the birthday party celebrations behind counter, my latte that was given to me was milk then the assistant remembered to put caramel in the latte I said it didn't taste right assistant told me stir it and said I've just remembered to put caramel in it ver abruptly, my husbands tea well was so weak so unfortunately we won't be visiting this costa again or recommending this costa to any of our...