Starbucks — Restaurant in England

I popped into Starbucks with my book as I had an hour to wait whilst my car was having some attention. It was raining heavily and I had come prepared.

I ordered a large hot chocolate in a mug. I chose to not have any squirty cream adornment and the cup was filled to the top. The chocolate was smooth and not overpowering. I can reasonably say it is one of the best hot chocolates I have had. I didn’t start drinking until I had been sat for about 20 minutes - it was the perfect temperature for me.

The layout is open with a mixture of fittings and furniture. So whether you want a hard chair at a table so you can use your laptop, have a chat with a friend, or sink into a soft chair and relax watching the world outside, the choice is yours. The noise levels were not overly intrusive and reading was possible without distraction. It also seemed possible to maintain an intimate space for quiet private conversations was also possible.

I did have to ask for my table to be wiped, but as with all the staff I spoke with, this was done with a pleasant smile - the overall atmosphere seemed good and both staff and customers seemed happy.

There was a nod to Christmas with a single small Christmas tree in one corner. There were also the Christmas menu/offer screens behind the lengthy counter.

I don’t consider that the prices were horrendous as far a this type of establishment goes but it is not cheap. THere was a wide selection of attractive, indulgent, treats available. There is a drive through option for those people who don't have time to stop.

When making my order it was reassuring that the staff checked if I had an allergies.

One last thing to bear in mind is not sitting too close to the entrance door. Depending which of the double doors was opened I got a chilly blast from outside. This appears to be a temporary maintenance issue. Free wifi is availalble but this comes with the caveat that public wifi is not a secure service.

Overall I would be happy to visit again and recommend it to my friends.

Follow up 4 days later. The door now closes properly! I was out and about taking photos so this time I opted for a takeaway chocolate and was pleased to discover that it was just as good as the last one. It stayed drinkable in my my disposable cup for a good 40 minutes whilst I was outside - It wasn't particularly cold but even still I...

So, I went in for a complete Starbucks staple, a small drip filter coffee, something that should really be on all day every day! Well they have only apparently been open 3 weeks an not been trained on one of their most basic coffee machines. I was avast! I have actually been to pikes place in Seattle, and I really believe if UK HQ support this branch they should have been shown how to put grinds in a filter fill up and press go! I mean really! They seemed fully capable on all other fancy iced this and that and all the extras, but simple did the absolute basics so very wrong. However, the chap behind the counter was apologetic and helpful while others worked hard and others not so, as the queue seemed to take an age to shuffle forward. Well my wife had a coffee shed said was ok while I left without making a purchase, as I just don't want another Americano for the same price, it's just not right! I'll be looking for an independent next time! Just as bad as the one at Gordano! 👎👎👎👎👎Oh and clean up...

First time going to a Starbucks in almost a decade and found the experience mediocre.

If you want a quick coffee then the drive through would serve well but for a coffee experience I would go to a independent coffee shop.

The women serving us was nice and helped us pick our orders but found the process not great. Shouting out the order rather than the name on the ticket confused many. I believe this could be down to management rather than the workers so I'll give the benefit of the doubt.

Found the decor nice inside but the acoustics of the place to loud and wondered how the workers cope with so much noise.

Not the worst experience and the coffee was simply coffee so couldn't go wrong.

Just the setting and process was left to be desired as different items came out at...