Coffee#1 Southbourne — Restaurant in England

This is the first time I have been into this coffee shop. When I arrived its clearly very busy and well liked as it was hard to find a table. I found a table and went to order. Only having 2 members of staff on during a busy Monday lunch rush was a shame. Longer than expected waits for my drink. Whilst waiting for my drink, an older couple came and dumped old cups and plates from another table on the one I had chosen. After I tried to explain that it was sitting at that table they simply smiled and walked back to the table they had chosen. I removed the items and gave them to the staff member. It was clear by her face that they were not coping with the amount of people present. As I sat I watched as multiple tables left and new customers were moving around used cups to other tables. In the 30mins a spent here not once did ether member of staff clear a table. In the end customers were taking the full trays up to the counter and leaving them there for the staff to sort. Made my trip really disappointing. For a large chain clearly making money is more important that giving an enjoyable visit...

Love the coffee and the staff are great too. The actual cafe itself is looking a little 'tired' especially the seating. Much of the seating comprises of wooden chairs which aren't particularly comfy to sit on (but good I suppose if you're using a laptop at the table). There are some comfy chairs but 1 or 2 are past their best & are really not that comfy anymore. Also there are no longer any sofas which used to give the cafe a nice 'lounge' feel. The cafe can get very loud at times. Some of the equipment that is used to make the drinks are the loudest I've experienced in a cafe. Many conversations have had to be paused while certain drinks are being made. Maybe some new (quieter) equipment is needed and/or screening & plants to help absorb some of the noise? The reason I give 4 stars & keep going back? I love the coffee & because of the really great...

Better experience than Costa in Southbourne however could be so much better for very little effort. 1 ... It’s too noisy. You end up shouting to be heard. The reason for this is sound bouncing off walls, floors and ceiling. Answer ... Put some fabrics up ! Rugs, curtains, any fabric covering the ceiling would eliminate sound echoing around the room. It would also increase the homely feeling customers are looking for. This simple addition would increase the customer experience and creat a wonderful atmosphere. So cheep to do so beneficial for customer experience.

2 ... keep the tables clean and clear away messy tables from previous customers. It’s not difficult to think from a...