Why do you still go to Starbucks?
Posted by Money_Afternoon6533@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 341 comments
Had an hour to kill in town so decided to sit in Starbucks and people watch. Haven’t been here in years but is it just me or has it massively gone downhill? £5 for a mediocre coffee, dirty chairs and tables, low lighting, all in all just doesn’t feel like a pleasant “experience”. And don’t get me started on the whole place knowing my name, I hate this big corp BS trying to be friendly with the named cups
Positive_Plum_2202@reddit
Spend has decreased a bit in recent months, bit for a while was getting up to around £1,200/month there between me and my partner (more like £700ish now)
Personally I treat it as a bit of an office - I run my business remote, so sometimes if I’m bored of being at home or if I just want to put my headphones on and knuckle down to get some tasks pushed out, we’ll go to bucks and have a couple drinks each + food over the course of a few hours.
If you’re a regular aswell you tend to develop some rapport with the staff - for instance, my old ‘usual’ spot, they’d start making our drinks before we even find our seat, and would often sort me out with freebies.
I’m sure there’s better options, but it’s a fairly consistent place - you know what you’re getting
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
£1200 in Starbucks are you insane.
Positive_Plum_2202@reddit
Easily done between two of you if you’re there every day like I used to be
Getting a single round of drink + food (depending what you have) can be £15 each, x 2 plus the more realistic having around 3 drinks each if there for a few hours
I certainly wouldn’t say it’s a financially wise decision lol but it works for us 😅
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
You clearly can afford that. I hope but personally that is a huge amount of wasted money to spend in a coffee shop.
Electronic_Gur_3068@reddit
It's providing food though, £20 a person a day is two meals in Starbucks or one meal and a couple of drinks which would take a couple of hours.
textzenith@reddit
If an hour of your time is worth good money and the Starbucks trip makes that time more productive, it's honestly a rational way to spend it.
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
Look. I’d love to be able to afford to spend £1200 at Starbucks without even thinking about it, but I can’t and you know what I definitely wouldn’t.
Electronic_Gur_3068@reddit
Without even thinking about it? You're exaggerating but people should be allowed to go to a cafe. In Greece, a poor country by European standards, they go to cafes and smoke and drink coffee rather than even work. If coffee and food has become a sign of excess, then I pity us all.
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
Hey man. Do what you want, but a LOT of people can’t spend frivolously £1200 a month in Starbucks.
If you can afford it, great, why not. What I’m saying is even if I could afford it. I wouldn’t.
Why not spend half and give the rest away to charity 🤣
Your giving your money away to a tax dodging company 🤣
Electronic_Gur_3068@reddit
I want to make another response as my other one (above? below?) was a bit "heat of the moment".
Starbucks is a coffee shop. If you're looking to have something inexpensive, it's the same caffeine as an instant coffee, from a £1 cheap jar made at home in the kettle.
Is it a waste of money? Some people want a luxury treat today! And a coffee, even if it is an American, corporate, sweet, sugary, overpriced treat, is a treat that has a number of advantages:
1/ Starbucks is the same wherever you go (to avoid surprises).
2/ Starbucks is reasonable quality everywhere you go.
3/ Sugary treats are nice
4/ The pricing is consistent
5/ The opening hours are consistent
6/ The staff are friendly
7/ There's always parking
8/ They do the small things right such as allowing you to bring your own cup but not forcing you to
It is absolutely right that, in ten years, I will think "it would be nice to have invested that money", but I do want to live for today, as well as for tomorrow.
Positive_Plum_2202@reddit
Exactly this - I fully appreciate it’s not good value on paper, but it does tend to give me a ‘productivity boost’ to stick the headphones on in Starbucks for a couple hours, which does end up paying for itself even if it does seem like excessive spend
textzenith@reddit
Moving near OP and opening a small but slightly nicer coffee shop in the vicinity is a legitimate business proposition.
rosesmellikepoopoo@reddit
The question should be why did YOU go to Starbucks!? We’ve known that place is crap for years!
DataSnaek@reddit
Everyone says it’s crap but realistically it’s not that bad. The main issue is that it’s expensive, but it’s not like the coffee is disgusting to drink or anything. It tastes as good as any of the big chains.
Reddit has a heavy anti-mainstream bias which is why places like dominos and Starbucks get so much hate here. It’s not because they’re objectively bad, it’s because they’re so popular with normal people and that is a hateable offence for a lot of Redditors.
Money_Afternoon6533@reddit (OP)
Total mistake I wouldn’t repeat again
millenialperennial@reddit
If it helps you avoid them, they are anti-union in the US and a boycott target!
Low_Rush_9028@reddit
I go once a year; as soon as they release the pumpkin spice latte and the pumpkin spice cookie
mebutnew@reddit
When was Starbucks good?
It's always been somewhere you go if there isn't a nice local coffee shop nearby - which could be said for most of jot all the big chains. Even the likes of Nero or Pret are smashed by a good local place.
Away_Associate4589@reddit
Costa coffee is marginally better than bin juice but not quite as good as warmed up dishwater.
mebutnew@reddit
They are everywhere you want to be, and completely unwelcome.
SinHarvestz@reddit
It's convenient, quick and often has plug sockets which are super useful when travelling.
I'm not going there expecting an "experience", I'm just going in there to chill or get some work done.
alanaisalive@reddit
Starbucks has changed their business model in the last couple years. They are removing plug sockets and don't want people lingering or working there. They want you to buy their crap coffee and get out. They want to be a fast food place, not a coffee shop. Don't be surprised when it becomes less convenient and less friendly. They don't want your kind anymore.
CountNo7955@reddit
That's very obvious in the Starbucks on the retail park near my work.
They've got a Drive Through and it's very obvious they prioritise customers using that over people waiting in the shop. They often have a bunch of delivery drivers waiting to pick orders up (why anyone would order from Starbucks for delivery is beyond me, but clearly people do!), they use takeaway packaging even if you've ordered to eat/drink in, and they don't clear or clean the tables.
Their prices are excessive compared to the quality and service you receive.
cyclingisthecure@reddit
Desperarion when there's nothing else around. God their roast is awful and like you say who they got sat with a crayon making up these prices , the worst thing I ever paid for one one of the mint and lime refreshers, almost £5 for a fucking glass of water with a pump of flavor in
Wandering_sage1234@reddit
I just can't stand the smell of Starbucks anymore. Limited seats, and like you said. The smell has turned me off.
Starbucks doesn't have it, it's just an overpriced small pastry shop with coffee that's like sugar sugar and sugar.
Emotional_Butterf1y@reddit
As it’s just as crap as Nero or Costa.
LadyNajaGirl@reddit
I just like it ok? 🥺💕
michaelisnotginger@reddit
Yeah I like the burnt taste. Shoot me.
LadyNajaGirl@reddit
I find Costa more burnt than Starbies but we all have different palettes!
michaelisnotginger@reddit
Costa and Nero coffee always gives me anxiety for some reason lol
LadyNajaGirl@reddit
Anxiety? Being in the shops or actually drinking the coffee? For some people they get a bit jittery on caffeine.
michaelisnotginger@reddit
The actual coffee. I don't even get this at my local that does Italian style rocket fuel. Or Starbucks when I get a venti. bizarre.
LadyNajaGirl@reddit
Wow, that’s different! Something doesn’t agree with you!
Abject_Tumbleweed413@reddit
Me too!!
LadyNajaGirl@reddit
Hello fellow Starbies friend! ☕️💕
Abject_Tumbleweed413@reddit
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Particular_Store8743@reddit
Sorry but I like the filter coffee. I like that very dark roast flavour sometimes. I drink coffee black, and if there isn't a trendy independent coffee place nearby a Starbucks filter is my best option. Black coffee in Costa/Pret/Nero is dishwater. Even AMT, which looks promising from the outside, can't make a decent black coffee.
michaelisnotginger@reddit
Agreed. I actually like their black Americano a lot
FartBakedBaguette@reddit
For the iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso
michaelisnotginger@reddit
Damn right
RhubarbTony@reddit
You can add brown sugar syrup to any drink now - an iced latte with the syrup tastes the same and is around 1.50 cheaper
millenialperennial@reddit
It's just as good as home with instant coffee swapped in for the espresso!
Sushi_pyjamas6541@reddit
This, I have bad adenomyosis, It numbs my pain + swelling better than painkillers. Tried making my own at home (with recipe found on Tik Tok) and while it's lovely, mine doesn't taste the same as Sbux ones.
Ok-Bee2639@reddit
This! I dont frequent Starbucks in the UK as prefer independent or making good coffee at home. Just spent two weeks in Orlando and grabbed one my first day for ease and ended up getting at least two every day. What a drink! I have now sussed recreating it at home 😋
wildOldcheesecake@reddit
I go in there knowing I’m after a diabetes in a cup. I don’t go in there for coffee.
Roswell114@reddit
Yeah, I'm a yank living in the UK and go to Starbucks a lot less here than when I lived in the USA. Starbucks espresso has always been terrible (so is Costa's) but certain sugary drinks make it palatable. I used to buy their house blend and veranda blend to make at home, and those were quite good. I can't say the same for Costa coffee I've made at home.
molluscstar@reddit
That drink plus a beyond meat breakfast sandwich is my migraine cure!
MoonMouse5@reddit
This woman knows
Tall-Town5029@reddit
Not trying to be a snob but the chain coffee shops are so naff
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
Would help if independent coffee shops didn’t only ever give you a thimble sized takeaway cup, for not much less cost.
Hot_Wonder6503@reddit
That's how it's supposed to be. I can't believe people complain about this lol. Go back to Starbucks for your grande
SmugglersParadise@reddit
Yeah, coffee is not supposed to be in the buckets you get from Starbucks
It would be like being pissed off at a restaurant for not serving you a pint of wine
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
Oh yeah, what is coffee “supposed to be”? We’re not talking about espressos here, we’re talking about takeaway latte’s etc.
The only reason you’re getting served smaller sizes in independents is pure cost costing. Didn’t realise they could so easily dupe stupid people into thinking it’s for “da coffee culture” hahahaha.
Wine is a stupid analogy since we’re specifically talking about takeaway.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
You can’t be this stupid, surely?
Bacon4Lyf@reddit
Yeah man, lmao that’s what they they’re doing genius
2Spot68@reddit
Ah, spot the 'American'.
Quantity over quality. "I'll take the soapy, burnt, insipid slop that they serve in Starbucks vs. a properly extracted, properly served cup of Joe.
But it's still BS. Most independent coffee shops will make it as you want it in a cup size you prefer. If you want to water it down with a gallon of hot water, they'll happily do that for you (it's called 'asking'. But hey, you do you.
Bacon4Lyf@reddit
That’s a lotta words, too bad they’re bullshit
Away_Associate4589@reddit
There are a few popping up but imo Cornish Bakery is actually pretty decent.
The big three are all dreadful though. It's like picking between which brand of trainer you want kicking you in the nuts.
HotelPuzzleheaded654@reddit
Because it’s convenient, people complain about price but I’m yet to find one that is noticeably cheaper than the rest of the market.
Independent ones are similarly priced if not more expensive.
If you find it expensive make your own coffee at home.
2Spot68@reddit
My local independent charges £2.30 for a flat white using beans they roast on the premises. It's infinitely better than the burnt slop that Starbucks serve and it is supporting local businesses, not the US.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
Unless of course they source their products from the US…
textzenith@reddit
Oh, very good point.
I'll just buy my coffee at Starbucks, then, not the local independent coffee house.
Because they bought an American spoon 2 years ago 🤣
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
You virtue signalling redditors honestly believe everyone else is boycotting with you, don’t you? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 news flash, most people don’t care
2Spot68@reddit
'Cause coffee beans are a really well known US export?
Most of their beans are single estate and they have a menu several pages long and the US gets not a single mention.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
Ahh yes because of course coffee beans are literally the only product that coffee shops purchase.
I’m sure coffee shops definitely do not purchase any of their equipment, utensils, napkins, juice, water, milk at a large American wholesalers such as Costco and the likes. No, that would never happen.
2Spot68@reddit
Most independent coffee shops (most small food / drink retailers for that matter) don't use Costco. They use local wholesalers aimed at businesses. Costco is ostensibly aimed at residential who want bulk at near retail prices, but my experience of it is mainly that it's inhabited by people who want to tell you that they shop at Costco.
'My' coffee shop's machines are Italian. Their crockery, milk and juices all locally sourced and they can still produce a much better coffee or tea than Starbucks for Costa at two thirds the price. Staff actually like working there versus the untrained grumps that that now 'serve' at Starbucks & Costa (I don't blame the staff. That's what you get when you throw too few kids in at minimum wage and expect them to be running a store after a day clicking spent clicking on a web training package).
US isn't well known in the coffee world for utensils either. Nor food prep equipment in general. Quality stuff is German or Japanese (some good UK stuff too). Cheap stuff is all Chinese.
Truth is, we don't buy much in the UK from the US that isn't military, tech, service or crappy (no longer) fast / (no longer) cheap food. And we're now going to have to wean ourselves off most of these things too.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure 'my' shop also pays its taxes.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
That’s wild you fabricated all that nonsense to try and prove a point. The lengths some people will go to avoid admitting they are wrong.
Have a look on the smallbusinessuk subreddit and tell me again how none of them use Costco or Amazon lol .
textzenith@reddit
Yes, what a ludicrous story about the staff preferring to work at the independent coffee shop, and Starbucks teams not being very well managed.
Top piffle.
About the Costco, I don't know if it's more concentrated in certain areas- we've had about five different suppliers but never had access to a Costco. Country of origin was never a factor in shopping for anything but quality certainly was, so for example the Netherlands often had the best accessories for gourmet chips. I'd have gone to Costco for a $1.50 hotdog, though!
2Spot68@reddit
As a business owner myself, I'm amused by your arrogance.
Some use Costco. Far, far more don't.
And fewer will as the US sinks further in to this self-inflicted stupidity.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
You’re not the owner of an independent coffee shop. That was clear by the fact you had to lie about knowing the day to day operations of the coffee shop you frequent hahaha. Whereas I actually have family who do. Now you’re stalking my comments like an obsessed weirdo because I called out your virtue signalling. Oh dear.
Previous_Ad_8838@reddit
Have I just been to a good part of London recently or something
I've seen coffee's in cafe's at around 3 quid - 4 quid for large
doesn't gregs do a coffee and sausage roll for 3 quid still?
(I know hot coco + roll was 3quid last time I went)
iAmBalfrog@reddit
Went to a local independent and still got charged a fiver for a smaller coffee than i'd get at starbucks, maybe adequately nicer but value for money was not a pro.
Throwaway91847817@reddit
The sub has to get its daily superiority complex fix somehow
Coraldiamond192@reddit
Exactly. Price for coffee these days is going to be about £4 or £5 depending on what you have and where u go.
Educational-Angle717@reddit
Go independant, all these people just supporting chains where there are nice cafes around and pubs also.
Daisies_forever@reddit
Only ever for 2 reasons
To get a cold drink/frappe
To kill time and there is no where else to go/weather is and/want to sit down/charge my phone etc
BlackJackKetchum@reddit
Unlike Costa and Nero, they don’t use stupidly shaped cups - no, I don’t want to pretend I’m drinking tea with the King.
Steups13@reddit
I don't. I haven't since I found out they don't pay proper taxes.
GringottsNoMoney@reddit
Nero is so much nicer!
takesthebiscuit@reddit
I like the Nero coffee but the way they serve boils my piss!
Large Americano: three shots of espresso
Each pull of espresso fills two shots, so they pull the two coffees, making 4 shots
Three into the coffee. AND THE THIRD DOWN THE Drain!!!
They literally pour away 25% of the coffee
AE_Phoenix@reddit
Sounds like the staff at your local aren't trained properly. They have a single shot attachment and button on the machine for single espresso and large americanos.
Jebble@reddit
Yeh nobody at Nero ever use that. They also usually leave use the fourth shot in the next drink or drink it themselves. I have also been offered to have the fourth shot in my coffee
textzenith@reddit
Who the hell serves coffee all day and chases every other one with an espresso shot?
If I worked that way my eyes would be bugging out so far from my head they'd be floating around like a beholder!
Nice to be served by someone who REALLY loves their coffee though.
Jebble@reddit
Didn't say anything about "every other one" lol.
textzenith@reddit
Yeah I just had this image of an absolute maniac swigging every leftover shot xD
breadandfire@reddit
Why the f throw away coffee? 🤬🤬🤬🤬
-Bryan-Without-B-@reddit
Their white chocolate mocha made me love coffee.
Tzunamitom@reddit
Not chocolate with your not coffee!
textzenith@reddit
Than who? Pol Pot?
Bluerose1000@reddit
Nero is my choice between the big chains.
Ayyyyylmaos@reddit
Personally, I’m a Costa guy, because they do Starbucks style drinks but actually include coffee as normal
AppreciateAbundance@reddit
Eww costa old people and poor people!
sloefen@reddit
They keep reducing the amount of coffee now, so a flat white tastes like a latte, and a latte is like a babycino. I'd rather make a decent cup at home.
Wiltix@reddit
The last 2 flat whites I had from Costa were absolutely grim. It use to be ok, but they have changed the beans and everything just tastes of very bitter burned coffee.
alxplain@reddit
Got a cappuccino there recently and saw the sign saying they'd made this change, and it was vile, burnt cappuccino is not a good drink, Greggs cappuccino is now my preference if there's no Nero's
Wiltix@reddit
Tbh for the price Greggs and McDonalds do pretty good coffee. It’s certainly more drinkable than the coffee chains imo.
HippyWitchyVibes@reddit
My daughter used to be a manager at Costa so I know a little bit about the "behind the scenes" stuff.
So, the coffee machines Costa use rely HEAVILY on barista skill. You can get the world's best coffee and burnt sludge from the same machine, 5 minutes apart, just because it was made by two different baristas.
Flat whites are also notoriously hard to master by new staff apparently.
Wiltix@reddit
I kind of find that hard to believe, the process at a Costa has very little room for error from what I can see.
Steaming of the milk being the only variance, even then badly steamed milk is not going to make the terrible flat whites I have had recently.
From what I can tell It’s either a change in bean to a much darker and somehow lower quality roast, or the espresso machines are not properly cleaned / maintained.
The aim of Costa (and any chain) is consistent product at any branch / franchise. Unfortunately for me their flat whites have been consistently crap.
Mediocre_Profile5576@reddit
I can believe that. I go to Costa when I’m working in the office (1-2 times a week) and one of the regular baristas is excellent and the other is hit or miss.
Novel_Passenger7013@reddit
When I go to Costa, 75% of the time my latte just tastes like burned milk, because the barista isn’t properly trained and/or they forgot the vanilla. I have to ask for an extra shot to even taste the coffee. Costa is so grim and I’m convinced only people who don’t like the taste of coffee like it.
Starbucks isn’t great, but at least it tastes like what it is and is consistent.
Nero is the star of the UK coffee chains.
Ayyyyylmaos@reddit
I liked the iced stuff, so I get a triple shot frappe and pay like 50p extra as opposed to going to Starbucks and getting a worse drink and they paying £2 or some shit for the right amount of coffee
Bugsmoke@reddit
Costa literally do not sell a single item that is better than Starbucks and Starbucks really is not a very high benchmark.
AE_Phoenix@reddit
There's the same amount of coffee and milk between a flat white and a latte. The only difference is a flat white isn’t frothed, so it appears smaller.
DeirdreBarstool@reddit
Flatte
Lshamlad@reddit
It's called Costa for a reason, amirite?
sharkmaninjamaica@reddit
they use robusta, personally find it nasty
MrCreepyUncle@reddit
Mine too, unfortunately their presence is so much less. My nearest town doesn't have a Nero at all..
limitedregrett@reddit
I agree, Nero for the win. Although awhile ago (c.2016) I used to go to a Nero in St Albans and every.gud.damn.time the lids would leak on my walk home.
I ended up taking a picture of my coffee'd hand to customer service and they sent me TWENTY free drink vouchers which was a bit of a result!
DNBassist89@reddit
Nero is my go to as far as quality is concerned, but the service in my local Nero is excruciatingly slow. Starbucks will win me over sometimes if they have a particularly interesting flavor available, like the current tiramisu range, but Nero quality is absolutely superior
AE_Phoenix@reddit
Only big chain that actually makes decent coffee. Coffee #1 is there offshoot brand and it's also good.
Rude-Possibility4682@reddit
I'd agree with Coffee#1 it's pretty decent. I prefer a Neros for the sheer strength,but Coffee#1 is a good substitute if I can't find a Nero.
Honorable_Dead_Snark@reddit
Nero is the worst of the lot. Literal rat piss
2Spot68@reddit
Don't really know munch about coffee, do you.
But then trolls generally don't.
pleasantlyyplumpy@reddit
The only problem is Nero ceases to exist here in the Humberside region... Starbucks, Costa or nil
ChattingMacca@reddit
I'm from the same area, you're totally right. The closest ones are like louth, Lincoln, Doncaster or Hull and Beverly. Totalling missing out the whole of Humberside basically. There was one in Grimsby, at House of Fraiser, but that closed down years ago.
pleasantlyyplumpy@reddit
I have an iced flat white when I'm travelling, shit is so good
ChattingMacca@reddit
Agreed
Jebble@reddit
Lol what
jacobsnemesis@reddit
Nero is just as bad
Antergaton@reddit
200 Degrees is my go to, Nero would be my next go to. Nero recently bought 200 Degrees but in like 10 years, they have grown to like 20 place in the midlands and mid north west but kinda hope Nero doesn't try and put it's stamp on 200 but then they seem like similar styles, 200 is just simpler plus much prefer the coffee.
CaptainLilacBeard@reddit
Nero also had the most caffeine in their coffee as tested a couple of years ago, Starbucks had the least lol
BlodSnoppler@reddit
^ this, I love my coffee really strong and if anything a little burned tasting and Nero nails that every time, just as tatty inside though but the coffee is lovely. Last time I had a Starbucks I asked for an extra shot but it was just so insipid. Never again. People seem to like it though, the one below my workplace is permanently rammed.
Personal-Border5777@reddit
I'm not convinced it's even lack of strength in Starbusks coffee... it just seems like shit coffee with a shit flavor profile - very one-dimensional.
Nothing-Is-Boring@reddit
I hate Starbucks coffee, worked at a Costa for a while and their normal blend is fine, they had a special one for a bit when I was there that was actually really nice but they dropped it because no one bothered picking it. I'm sure other people have different tastes but I just hate Starbucks' blend.
I've always preferred Nero's coffee though out of those three. You can do better at home but when if I want to take a pew for a bit out of the weather I'd pick Nero>Costa and basically ignore a Starbucks.
Personal-Border5777@reddit
Yep - Nero, then Costa, then absolutely anything else you can find, then Starbucks.
duck-dinosar@reddit
Nero the best of the high street chains by some distance for me. Starbucks the worst. Costa is completely forgettable
steak_bake_surprise@reddit
Yes, the best chain and looks nice inside too.
Princ3w@reddit
This plus I always seem to end up with free drinks from there via things like phone plans, work benefit etc so it’s become my default
dapperdan8@reddit
Flat white from Nero👌
EmMeo@reddit
Plus their hot chocolates are absolutely gorgeous
GradeHot8297@reddit
It’ll it’s like McDonalds you know what you’re in for. shrugs it’s not great but it’s always consistent
KermitsPuckeredAnus2@reddit
Always give the wrong name, always
textzenith@reddit
You're not giving them your Reddit name are you?
KermitsPuckeredAnus2@reddit
Always
Energia91@reddit
I grew up kinda poor, we never really considered visiting places like Starbucks, Nero, etc.
The first time I went inside a Starbucks was during the 1st year of uni (2008), with a bunch of classmates. I tried an iced caramel frappuccino and got my first taste of the bourgeois lifestyle, as I saw it lol. It tasted so decadent. And I just have one in my hand every time I go out for anything.
I wrote a good portion of my Ph.D. thesis in my local (Wandsworth, London) Starbucks. It was in a fairly busy, diverse part of town. And I liked seeing people from different parts of the world, as someone who desperately wanted to escape (Britain). It kind of motivated me to move abroad and explore the world.
I moved to China last year, and I no longer have brand loyalty. The quality of Starbucks in China is noticeably better, for both beverages and food. But they're pretty expensive by local standards. And there are far better local alternatives.
PS: As someone now used to order + pay through QR codes through Alipay, I find the ordering at the counter with the staff demanding to know your name (and then delibaratly misspell it) kinda funny now!
Miserable-Ad7835@reddit
Starbucks is coffee for people who don't actually like coffee.
Delicious-Program-50@reddit
Not a coffee drinker so never spent my money in here and never would either. I hate the smell of what seems like burnt coffee beans and their prices are a disgrace; but if idiots in a cost of living crisis and other issues in the world, are happy to pay then who am I to say. They have outlets in a lot of office buildings including my own and I see so many colleagues go down to get a coffee, sometimes 4 times a day! Imagine spending £100 a week just on coffee! Awful.
MasterReindeer@reddit
They don’t pay any tax in this country. I don’t go to Starbucks and neither should you. Spend your money at a local coffee shop.
Acrobatic-Shirt8540@reddit
£5 for frothy milk. Which? did a survey of all the coffee chains. Starbucks had by far the least amount of coffee in the drinks tested.
Lomasgo@reddit
Starbucks tastes like a bit like coffee and Costa tastes like water. Indie cafe is a hit and miss( some even more expensive). So yeah when I am out and need a coffee, unless there is shop I know is good, I will just get Starbucks to go.
AppreciateAbundance@reddit
i go to starbucks because im a basic btch
AccidentAccomplished@reddit
the only reason it because it is unpopular and therefore quiet
Flat_Fault_7802@reddit
Just bought a tin of Nescafe Americano for a fiver . Better than Starbucks.
large_gooser@reddit
Only place in my city that does cold brew 😭
Sparkling_water5398@reddit
For me it’s just because I’m more familiar with it. I’m always a bit nervous when go to cafes which are not chained…
PoinkPoinkPoink@reddit
The coffee there is so terribly terrible for the price, and any I’ve seen in recent years have been stripped of any sense of ambience. Can’t understand how their £6-8 coffees can be justified
RS_Phil@reddit
McDonald's flat white or something else just like that is fine. I think coffee shops like Starbucks and Costa are on their way out tbh, just stupid money for something people can get cheaper elsewhere and now we're all skint... just a matter of time.
Probably be a good share to short :)
CoffeeandaTwix@reddit
If I go to Starbucks/Nero/Costa I am basically just renting a lounge/desk space for an hour or so.
On that basis, cost isn't too bad and all are fairly comfortable.
If I just wanted the coffee to take out, I'd go to Gregg's or wherever was cheapest cos it is all generally shit coffee
Professional_Elk_489@reddit
Never been once
wage_zombie@reddit
The kids recently wanted some sort of iced coffee from one of their train station outlets. £7+!!! £7 for a drink.
I suspect it is all the marketing they do, some people think it is something special.
furrycroissant@reddit
Sometimes it's the only coffee place in the service station, otherwise, utterly avoid it. They don't pay tax and they don't look after staff.
____JustBrowsing@reddit
I used to love their Chai Latte about 5 years ago. Got one today and it was disappointing . Hardly any chai taste, just expensive warm milk. Never again.
guitar_strummer@reddit
Boycott starbucks
sedtamenveniunt@reddit
Only if it’s the closest thing.
Hot-Ad6418@reddit
Having worked in one I avoid it like the plague
KeyJunket1175@reddit
On one occasion, for the WiFi. On another occasion, because there was nothing else in my immediate vicinity and needed to grab something. The coffee is not mediocre, it's shit. Even instant Costa tastes better.
SnooBooks1701@reddit
Haven't been in years, it's shit
27106_4life@reddit
Cause it's better than the other coffee shops in the area
dwair@reddit
I don't. The coffee is overpriced and horrible.
Tigertotz_411@reddit
Lots of businesses do well not because they're good, but because they're there.
Same goes for politicians. Its a familiar name and there's some comfort in that, even if the familiarity is an illusion.
Naive-Low-9770@reddit
Honestly it's consistent all these hipster places that charge like £7 a coffee are not consistent and the vibe is so pretentious, some places act fried if you ask for sugar
If you go to Starbucks there is no ego around it, want sugar you get it, want 10 pumps of diabetes coffee you get it, also if you're fitness person you get to track it, if you get a syrup in your coffee and want to track you can with Starbucks but not these local coffee places
To some degree I reject the whole 'let's pretend that coffee is more important than it is' shit and and I would rather fund Starbucks that dodges tax and has zero ego about what I want to drink and doesn't demand a 20% tip on a £7 coffee
I will get bare downvotes but you cannot actually tell me that I'm wrong
SassyStonks@reddit
I actually prefer their frappachinos.
Costa has no clue and Nero is just milkshake.
carmillamircalla@reddit
Every chain feels seems to be dirty these days, Starbucks, McDonald's, 'spoons, etc. Every table and chair is sticky and nothing ever gets wiped. I presume because they employ the minimum staff needed and thus no one has time to clean but this seems to be the standard in any chain these days.
SimplyFrostaku@reddit
I grab a Too Good To Go bag every now and then, there’s one just around the corner from me, but I haven’t actually bought anything from them in years.
The other day, I picked up a strawberry açai drink for my wife and ended up paying nearly £7. By the time the staff told me the price, the drink was already made and in my hands. Honestly, Starbucks menu prices in the UK are higher than in the US, which is just ridiculous.
iHazzam@reddit
The blonde roast coffee they have is pretty nice and I like knowing what I’m going to get when I’m in a random town. I’m a full on coffee snob and I can still appreciate it.
Chain wise, their blonde roast is better than everything other than cafe Nero
They’re also fairly nice places to be imo. I mostly go to out of town ones
Low_Spread9760@reddit
I’ll go to Starbucks/Costa/Nero when it’s the only option: service stations, train stations, airports, out-of-town retail parks etc. If I have a choice, I’ll always go to an independent coffee shop or at least a smaller UK chain (Bold Street Coffee, Ezra & Gil, 92 degrees, Takk etc.).
TravelDork@reddit
It’s one of the only places that does a white chocolate mocha. Nero does also but they take forever to make it. I use the Starbucks app to order in advance and then walk straight in and grab it. Also I’m lucky that the one closest to me is staffed by legends
ToePsychological8709@reddit
I like the familiarity of a Starbucks environment and they do a matcha latte. They are usually well designed places and often pretty clean and you know what you are getting.
I prefer them to Nero or Costa both in interior design and in terms of drinks.
cactusplants@reddit
The few times I end up there with others (I don't do coffee) I just stick with a fruit drink of types.
It's so not worth it though
olgahdepolgah@reddit
Plus you’re supporting a genocide
lonelydata@reddit
Because Costa tastes like burnt reused dirt.
No_Potato_4341@reddit
I don't lol
EmMeo@reddit
I collect their mugs, but haven’t had a coffee there in ages. Their mugs have different designs based on the city you’re in, so we get them as a souvenir when on holiday - they stack really well on top of each other and are a good large size.
The_Makster@reddit
Did you get any from Japan?
EmMeo@reddit
I’ve got them from Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara
yojifer680@reddit
I've never been to Starbucks. Can't stand them.
sloefen@reddit
How can you not stand them if you've never been?
yojifer680@reddit
I cant stand them as a business. I'm sure their coffee is decent, but I'll never buy it.
sloefen@reddit
Fair enough, agree on that and the whole thing is dated beyond belief.
Dharma-Cat@reddit
Nero is the hero these days. Good blend of coffee. Don’t get me started on the cinnamon buns which they warm up for you. Yum!
Artistic_Data9398@reddit
A Giant corporation with a soulless and mediocre service and product.
Unbelievable Jeff
Fungho_jungle@reddit
Come on people, give him a break. He went on a one-off and he's wondering whether people still regularly go, and if so why. He's rightly assuming people still regularly go because the coffee shop is full.
I think people go to the big chainsy8 a) because they're round the corner b) they have milky coffees with lots of syrups, chocolate, caramel and stuff, gen z would rather have that than a pint. Spending £5 on a coffee has also become almost a "treating yourself" kind of thing.
I think that's BS and have coffee only at home, unless I'm in a social situation that requires me to buy a coffee
jacobsnemesis@reddit
I would be interested to know what that £5 “coffee” was
Interesting-Pea-9702@reddit
nobody can convince me that going to starbucks isnt an excuse to take your macbook out in public and decide to do all your work in public. if you have enough time to be going out to starbucks in the firstplace, why drag ur laptop w u? my macbook hasnt even see the light of day. nobody wanna see you typing in public cafes are meant to be a quiet place.
Whulad@reddit
It’s a US company that avoids corporation tax in this country, you shouldn’t be going in there anyway let alone the shit coffee
pinkthreadedwrist@reddit
Even in the US there is a boycott!
Fuck Starbucks. Always support local.
Live-Cut-5991@reddit
As well as supporting Israel
xbrooksie@reddit
I don’t think they support Israel. People boycott them not because they are on the BDS list, but because of their union-busting tendencies!
Live-Cut-5991@reddit
The now ex-ceo and largest shareholder being a massive Israel advocate and their suing of the union over a pro-Palestinian tweet doesn’t help their defence though.
theowleryonehundred@reddit
So?
JonnySniper@reddit
The country openly committing genocide and bombing hospitals?
Gee. Yeh good question. I wonder why, eh?
Live-Cut-5991@reddit
My point is pretty obvious.
Ok-Information4938@reddit
The reason is the activity of retailing coffee isn't very risky (it can be outsourced), whereas the brand is deemed to have the value, and earns the rewards.
All globals do this and it's standard under OECD principles. Our globals do the same in overseas markets where operations are simple, such as retailing.
ThroatUnable8122@reddit
I wasn't aware of that. I will start going to Starbucks more
rsml84@reddit
Never the biggest hot drinker fan but stopped considering them as an option over 20 years ago when I heard about them charging first responders for water in NYC during 9/11 attacks
Spottyjamie@reddit
Because its 3 minutes walk from my house and open most of the week
The bus to my nearest non chain is two an hour 10-3 and non chain is only open wed-sat 9:30-3
fantasticmrsmurf@reddit
What coffee do you drink to be able to call Starbucks mediocre? It’s better than costa imo (the actual drinks, not the inside or atmosphere)
Mrs_B-@reddit
Because I have a teenage daughter and she's swept up in the brand.
I make her pay though. I'm not paying £2.50 for a little bit of cake on a stick.
Hampshire2@reddit
The coffee is very poor quality beans, as others have said above go to Neros instead as the coffee is far better quality.
johnsy7@reddit
You forgot the epic levels of tax dodging they've gone to.
Longjumping-Basil-74@reddit
The coffee is bitter vs acidic (which is what they serve in most of other coffee shops), price is similar to other places and my clothes doesn’t smell like shitty food (it does after sitting down in any other coffee shop)
miked999b@reddit
I'm confident the main motive would be "I'd like to drink some coffee".
It's very Reddit to act utterly baffled at the basic concept of other people enjoying something that you don't, even when said thing is clearly very popular.
buginarugsnug@reddit
It’s always been rubbish, bad coffee and uncomfortable seating has been their way for at least 10 years (probably longer but I didn’t drink coffee until then).
Raf4624@reddit
Starbucks is still my usual go-to - because of its location for me, but I had a Tim Hortons Caramel Macchiato yesterday and that was pretty bland until I drank down to the layer where the syrups were obviously hiding…
Maybe coffee shops are becoming too machine-operated (like the petrol station ones) - so wherever you go it’s now more vending machine than specialised hand-brewed
radiotimmins@reddit
Convinence or cineworld discount. Although I prefer a independent If I need to go to a chain I will pop into Costa but they are a bit meh sometimes too.
justinhammerpants@reddit
I enjoy it. They have the best chai of the chains, and a white mocha with peppermint is perfect.
Roswell114@reddit
I like the white chocolate mocha as well as the caramel macchiato (which is also good iced).
Kitfromscot@reddit
I’d disagree re chai lattes, it’s too syrupy (sp?) for my liking.
Sure_Debate_7646@reddit
A) better flavoured coffees than anywhere else - I don’t like my coffee tasting like coffee.
B) convenience/availability - there’s a Starbucks around every corner I turn, so I rarely have to go out my way to find one, AND they’re open earlier/later than most other coffee places in my town or near my work. While the vibe might be much better in an independent café, 10am-3pm just doesn’t cut it for everyone.
C) consistency - I know what I’m getting and that it’s going to taste the same more or less any time. Nothing worse than ordering a coffee from somewhere, paying for it and it tastes like shit. I hate paying for something I don’t enjoy.
D) free milk alternatives. Sadly a lot of places still charge for dairy substitutes, and while it’s only 50p it’s annoying. Again, it goes back to consistency, I know what my drink is going to cost each time, rather than have to do some mental maths in the queue.
Overall, just a few reasons for why. But if I’m totally honest, I don’t really drink hot drinks so don’t really feel that strongly. The one local place I would choose over Starbucks every single time closes at 3pm and isn’t open on Saturdays or Sundays.
martinbean@reddit
I’ve switched to McDonald’s for takeaway coffee.
It’s not bad, it’s probably the cheaper of the high street coffee chains, and walking in I know it’s going to probably be filthy and full of screaming kids, but I walk in knowing that… and walk out as soon as have my drink.
Reesno33@reddit
It's the people who pay £5 for a shit coffee to takeaway that baffle me more, I'm too tight to pay half that so take a flask of filter coffee from home everyday.
Cultural-Pressure-91@reddit
I’m on the road a lot with my work - and I used to pop in to Starbucks a lot. They used to be clean, designed well, and had a nice vibe. Coffee was never great, but atleast consistent.
In the last two years it’s declined so much. The seats and tables are dirty. The coffees are now not only not great, but also wildly inconsistent based on location. And it’s so expensive! They’ve put there prices up 50-60% for some items.
I no longer go there - and try and stick to local shops whenever possible. That, or Blank Street Coffee if I’m treating myself.
No_Amount_1167@reddit
I don’t rate it at all, or any chain coffee shops tbh. The coffee tastes awful, but I’ll go if I’m desperate or at a service station maybe.
Having said that, there was a Starbucks Reserve in London at one point which was genuinely great. Shame that’s gone now.
Dense_Ad7115@reddit
My partner does, I don't. Not bothered by the price I just don't generally enjoy having coffee that I don't prepare myself. She likes the white chocolate whatever it is that she gets and can't find anywhere else that she prefers. Tbh I just prefer energy drinks if I'm out and about 😂
jakubkonecki@reddit
I never did. Do I win anything?
signalstonoise88@reddit
Unless I’m on a long drive and they’re the only option at services, I avoid the big chains. It all tastes shit. I’d sooner pay more (but frequently it’s the same or less than the chains) for a nice coffee from an independent cafe who give a shit about what they’re serving.
Theodin_King@reddit
I don't. It's unquestionably the worst coffee on the high street. Deliberately burnt beans is not a unique selling point. It's fucking rough.
hulagway@reddit
When i need to charge or if i need to use the toilet pronto. It is at the bottom of my list though.
pastie_b@reddit
The company I work for owns 3 stores.
The team at these stores seems to have a positive attitude even at the end of a long day, They're trained baristas and really enjoy what they do.
Just remember that not all franchisees are corporate, some are like us and own 3 stores which barely make a profit, i guess the difference could be that we're coffee nuts and invest in our teams,equipment and stores.
tonybpx@reddit
mediocre COLD coffee
I'm a grown man trying to run a business, I think I can handle a hot beverage. I literally never go unless I'm being dragged for a work road meeting when I don't have to pay. Costa are just as shit
No_Atmosphere1852@reddit
Because it's the only decent coffee shop within 15 minutes drive of my house, and it's on the way to work. I could drive half an hour into town, park up and walk into the nice independent coffee shop that's open between 2:59 and 3pm but that's just not feasible for 90% of my time.
The nearest cafe to me genuinely makes a latte by microwaving some milk and opening a Nescafé sachet into it.
Also, a drive through is so convenient. Jesus I can't tell you how many times I've been in traffic and pulled in through because it won't make me that much later, or had the baby asleep in the backseat and just popped through for a treat while I parked up somewhere nice.
London_Sub@reddit
This will sound weird but I actually love how ridiculously overpriced and extravagent the 'experience' can be.
I never buy the coffee for myself, only as a treat for others. I love how complicated they can make a 'large coffee with X flavouring' sound.
When I go I usually have to remember a woman's order as something like 'An oat-milk machiachto with no ice and caramel drizzle and three sugars' which is such a mouthful and makes me stammer but is part of the charm!
Ultimate_os@reddit
Ignoring all the snobs and tax comments. Yes, it’s much worse than it used to be.
Virtual-Guitar-9814@reddit
yeah, wasnt it supposed to be sonr sorta 'authentic' coffee shop feel when they started in the UK in the 90s?
michalioz@reddit
I still like a takeaway iced caramel macchiato.
Adorable-Wrongdoer-4@reddit
The one thing that got me in a Starbucks recently was the 0700 opening time. I am shockingly productive between 7 and 9 and the opportunity to get a quiet work window was worth the subpar coffee, as well as all the other drawbacks you mentioned. The other, better cafes weren’t open til 8!
Saltysockies@reddit
I don't get why people go to any of the chain coffee shops when there are independents nearby.
Like in Bath. There are some fantastic independents close to the big chains yet people still prefer to get their toilet water coffee from Starbucks, I personally don't get it.
Pat8aird@reddit
See also: Costa and Nero. ‘High Street’ coffee chains are all abysmal now.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Prefer Costa but if going to Starbuck, then going for the most indulgent,sugar rich, hot chocolate or mocha on menu. Generally our local ones are clean except right after lunch hour where staff been rushed off feet. Generally if you go at quiter times, it is good for a quick decompress and out again.
Costa is more used as tends to be for pitstop on motorways and sit down.
systemsbio@reddit
My wife is Korean, Starbucks in Korea is great, you can get any huge variety of drinks hot or cold all well made. If I go to Starbucks here, it's to try and recreate the experience that I had in Korea, which inevitably fails.
They seem to have the equipment to recreate it but not the ability, like if I ask for a cold brew latte, they're confused, and then maybe they try and create one badly it they even try.
qwerty-mo-fu@reddit
I don’t. They’re bastards
Bugsmoke@reddit
I go to Starbucks because we don’t have a great deal of independent coffee shops, and the ones that do largely are little wannabe Costa type coffee shops, so the coffee is shit.
MaidInWales@reddit
Sorry, was Starbucks EVER a pleasant experience? It's not like the coffee is good either.
louswheel@reddit
absolute crap in starfucks, I avoid the place, even Costa ( and I can't believe I said that..) is slightly better...
Zubi_Q@reddit
Only if there are no other coffee shops nearby, which I doubt it. It's just too expensive
AmINothing@reddit
Cos I can get a filter coffee for like 2.80
Fabulous_Can6778@reddit
I go because it has a good 4G signal and desks to work at.
JonnyBhoy@reddit
I try not to, but it's everywhere and you know what you're getting, so occasionally it's just convenient. I still also really like their frappucinos in the summer too.
FootballPsycho123@reddit
It's the only chain that does cold brew
WarmTransportation35@reddit
If there is no other coffee show available and need a coffee then I will go. Otherwise I go anywhere but Starbucks and Pret.
antlered-god@reddit
Still go? I've never been...
PerceptionGreat2439@reddit
Never been.
I refuse to pay nearly four quid for a paper sippy cup of cheap coffee grinds that have been boiled up, had cow derived fluids and sugar/saccharin added.
Four quid every day for a week? Do the maths. Want yer head tested.
setokaiba22@reddit
I suppose you farm all your own food and don’t purchase anything that’s marked up for profit that you consume
iAmBalfrog@reddit
Our local one is dog friendly unlike Nero, gives them a pup cup, the coffee is as unreasonably priced as the rest and they shove enough syrup in it so I forget it's coffee.
It's basically a respite from the rain that's friendly to dogs.
Traditional-Bag-3659@reddit
Their coffee is very low in caffeine which doesn't set my anxiety off. A latte is basically a cup of milk with 5ml of coffee. I can wake up but not have a panic attack at the same time.
setokaiba22@reddit
What’s mediocre coffee to you is great to someone else. It’s a trusted brand, usually clean and has a nice safe vibe. They’ve been doing the named cups for many many years now. It’s just not your scene.
minisrugbycoach@reddit
I don't. I've been in once. That was enough. Never been to a Nero's, or Costa either.
I really don't buy into this weird coffee shop culture. Overpriced, smelly, crowded and often dirty. Yeah, no thanks.
Live-Cut-5991@reddit
Between Israel and tax dodging they can’t have many fans that still go.
the-holy-one23@reddit
I drive past it on my way to work and I ran out of coffee beans last week, haven’t been shopping yet.
-Bryan-Without-B-@reddit
Never liked Starbucks, tastes like slop.
ThroatUnable8122@reddit
Because I like it. They serve coffe desserts with a massive amount of sugar, what's not to love about that
BrokenPistachio@reddit
It's free. I wouldn't pay for it though, way too expensive
I get a £10 food allowance at work so I alternate between Coffee and cake one day then fruit juices and yogurt the next.
I could alternatively get BK or KFC and I'm not hungry enough for that
messedup73@reddit
I only go when on the motorway I now try and find an M and S with a cafe as their coffee always tastes quite nice.Im trying to save up to treat myself to a bean to cup machine already have a Tassimo and Dolce gusto plus a filter coffee machine which my now adult children have bought me.
Wooden-Bookkeeper473@reddit
Ah no you're not one of them Starbucks shitheads are ya?
Costa Crew rule. Fight me?
I feel in the olden days we had Mods and Rockers fighting then football fans, the kids nowadays have nothing to get their aggression out on. Coffee shop violence is the answer.
Nothing too serious though, you can get nastily scolded from the hot liquid.
ChanceStunning8314@reddit
Cafe Nerd roolz. See you outside, Costa wimp. :-)
Wooden-Bookkeeper473@reddit
You bloody well will!!!
I'll give you a good old toasted knuckle sandwich with that crappy made moccaccino from Nero.
Btw you mistypoed Nero.
ChanceStunning8314@reddit
No. I didn’t. If you look at the Nero sign it says nerd for the font they use. Once you see it you can’t unsee it. Has been known as cafe Nerd forever in my family.
Anyway, I’ll raise your squashy Costa toasted sandwich with a hearty hot Nerd panini.
cmrndzpm@reddit
Their cinnamon swirls are banging, and unusually big.
turk91@reddit
I'm 33, I've never even stepped foot in a Starbucks lol.
KnottyWay@reddit
For the magic that is the Frappuccino. Every other version of this I’ve had from any other brand is gross, low-quality, and too sweet.
Defo a treat though, not an everyday thing.
Amelia-21@reddit
For a rare treat, I’ll get the iced white mocha. I’ve tried it from other places and no where do it as nice as Starbucks. But otherwise, my go to is a flat white from cafe Nero.
amarkey10@reddit
Good range of iced drinks, lot of other coffee places only sell a select few of these whereas Starbucks have multiple choices
Fuzzy-Owl491@reddit
Starbuck's coffee is way too sweet, like you can taste the sugar before the coffee, but then it's American and not authentic Italian coffee.
FeekyDoo@reddit
Why do we need an American coffee chain in this day and age?
SinHarvestz@reddit
They're often the only choice for coffee at a rest stop, airport or train station.
FeekyDoo@reddit
Doesn't make them good or welcome, there would be another caff there if is wasn't Starbucks.
terryjuicelawson@reddit
Indeed, there was a time they felt vibrant and exciting. The classic British caff was like something in Eastenders, where you'd get a murky cup of tea or a drip coffee from a pot. These had proper espresso machines, drinks with fancy names. All seems a bit 90s now, and everywhere has decent coffee options.
Thaddeus_Valentine@reddit
Only coffee shop I've ever liked was coffee #1 and I've been there maybe 5 times in my life. The ones in the US are treated like our pubs here, they have someone who's entire job is to go around and clear tables, tidy up etc. Here in the UK the place is only tidied when the staff behind the counter get time.
Marwingg@reddit
I think Starbucks are still good, it's Costa that has massively declined for me.
AE_Phoenix@reddit
Costa has declined to the level of starbucks
parmesanto@reddit
These big chain coffee shops have always been overpriced. Why anyone goes in them is beyond me.
SnapFirefly@reddit
I've never been to a Starbucks, Costa Coffee or any other coffee chain shop in my life
Particular_Store8743@reddit
How is that relevant?
SnapFirefly@reddit
Well I can't still go to Starbucks if I've never been before. Stop policing who can and can't reply to a post on Reddit lol.
Particular_Store8743@reddit
No no it's fine. I'm just going to leave a comment on the post asking about driving rules in the UK explaining that I don't own a car and can't drive.
SnapFirefly@reddit
You can if you want I don't care what other people post on Reddit
Jayatthemoment@reddit
I try not to in the U.K. because they’re absolutely filthy-dirty and have low quality food, compared with other countries. The staff also readily communicate how little they like their jobs. At my local one, they start cleaning up to close at about 3:30 pm (they close at 5:30, instead of 10pm like in other countries). They tell everyone to move to a small area then build a wall of chairs so you can’t move about and start mopping. You have to physically unstuck furniture to get out. They have physical keys for the toilet which is just rancid for hygiene. The whole place is just demented and having lived in a few countries I’m a bit shocked about how weird and downmarket it is here.
Caffè Nero is also pretty bad in my town, but at least they’re friendly!
Rikology@reddit
Honestly between Starbucks Nero and Costa my fav by far is Starbucks
AE_Phoenix@reddit
Going downhill implies it was ever at the top of the hill to begin with.
They've always sold bitter, burnt coffee, overpriced sugar-filled cakes and priced themselves above the rest of the market.
theonlyprincess12@reddit
They still frequent Starbucks for convenience, consistency, and free wireless internet it's a safe place to hang or get work done. But yeah, a lot feel the energy and quality have dropped, and the "personal touch" comes across as faked. It's less about wonderful coffee now and more about the brand existing everywhere.
spiderham42@reddit
I joke with a freind that people that go to Starbucks don't really like coffee but wanted something other than tea. I tried it once and thought they forgot to add coffee. Asked for another shot and still tasted very weak. I just realised it's not a place for those that actually enjoy the taste of coffee. Nero is definitly my choice if I'm out and about.
tmstms@reddit
Because I need a coffee or a stop and it is less bad then other options in the immediate vicinity of where I happen to be.
E.g. motorway services; e.g. where the competition is Costa.
AgentSerious1965@reddit
Cup of filter coffee 2.50 free refill
rainmaker0000@reddit
They’re all shite coffees. How they can’t keep the premises clean at those prices is unbelievable.
CanIhazCooKIenOw@reddit
Wasn’t there an independent coffee shop in town you could’ve sat instead?
I don’t get how people enjoy any chain store (Costa, Nero, etc…)
Pizzagoessplat@reddit
The last time I went there, I left halfway through my coffee. It was awful 😖
KCLenny@reddit
Got to a Starbucks in Japan and you’ll see why it’s so popular here. The problem isn’t Starbucks, it’s the people staffing them.
xtinak88@reddit
Starbucks was good probably about 20 years ago but I clung on for longer due to habit. Especially when abroad it always at least felt like a familiar place. I really can't go there now though. Aside from the many ethical concerns, you're right - it's unbelievably overpriced, the coffee is actively bad and there is a such a poor selection of food. Other than for students to maybe hog a plug socket and make a filter coffee last hours, no shade, I can't imagine why anyone would go and I don't get how it's still in business. Maybe if it paid tax it wouldn't be.
Send_bird_pics@reddit
Why would you even go to a chain?? Which “town” were you in?
persianchickendhal@reddit
You're asking a reddit community, most of their stakeholders are girls in their teens - twenties who order something that resembles more sugar than actual coffee.
SinHarvestz@reddit
There's 1354 Starbucks stores in the UK, there's no way their entire market is young girls.
bateau_du_gateau@reddit
It's true that Starbucks market is not coffee drinkers. They sell sugar+milk+caffeine.
HAMforPastry@reddit
That's just bollocks that and I don't even like SB
CuriousNowDead@reddit
I went a while back because I needed food and it was the only place available
georgiebb@reddit
A few Sundays ago i wanted a morning coffee and all the independent coffee shops, as well as Nero and Costa were full so i went to Starbucks. It was so much worse than I remembered, it just tasted like they filled the portafilter with grounds from the bin, it was so burnt tasting and sour. Didn't taste like coffee at all. The previous time I had gone with a friend because we were in a city and again, all our first choices were full. She took one sip and gagged. I'm not sure why I still tried it again after that!
pattybutty@reddit
Had a similar experience last weekend. Echoey, faint smell of stagnant water and sticky tables. They'd ran out of cake lollipops so it was easy to convince my son we should move on to a nice cafe, fortunately
Brian_from_accounts@reddit
For the atmosphere.
alondonkiwi@reddit
Don't think I've been to one in ages, last time bought a drink is just because they have the 'drive through' at some services making it super convenient to grab a coffee when driving somewhere.
Otherwise I typically only go to Starbucks overseas as they have a global presence and know what I'm getting (and typically can get soy milk where some countries can be tough getting nondairy milk although that's improving).
Otherwise, probably like you, would go to one if there is no better option and I need to kill some time, especially if I need power and WiFi as they're likely to have them.
waxfutures@reddit
On the rare occasion I go in there, it's because I want a coffee and there's no better option nearby. It's not much deeper than that.
hgjayhvkk@reddit
Because I like expensive tea
swapacoinforafish@reddit
I still enjoy it. Really like their cinnamon buns :)
C0nnectionTerminat3d@reddit
I only go when my local has a TooGoodToGo bag up. £3.50 for 5-6 cakes and/or pastries? absolute bargain.
Fit-Bedroom-7645@reddit
Starbucks tastes like getting instant coffee from a machine that also does tomato soup out of the same nozzle
MooMoo2319@reddit
Me and my Mum love a brew, always took her to our local Starbucks cos the coffee was OK. The prices went up and they redecorated to the most depressing neutral tones you've ever seen.
The walls had splash marks up them and they never cleared the tables. I left a polite review saying the staff were lovely but it's dirty. They replied that they'd see to it straight away. Went back 2 weeks later and it was worse. We never went in after that.
We tend to go between Costa and independent ones now because they're so much cleaner. Much more consistent too, I find Starbucks so bitter.
RedPlasticDog@reddit
Starbucks,Costa, Nero.
All filthy. With furniture fit for the bonfire.
They all seem to think cancelling cleaning or store upgrades are ok.
Electronic-Fennel828@reddit
Habit mostly, and they’re the only big chain that doesn’t charge extra for oat milk. I like knowing that my latte will taste exactly the same, whether I get it in Edinburgh, York, Manchester or Southampton.
mrhippoj@reddit
It's a place that has chairs and tables and you can drink coffee, and you know what you're getting. Guaranteed average coffee at a known price is more appealing that coffee that may be amazing and cheap or terrible and expensive
AlternativePrior9559@reddit
I’ll be honest, I’ve never ever set foot in one
Huge-Promotion-7998@reddit
Not been since the last time I was desperate at a services, I simply do not like the flavour of their coffee. I'd rather pay more money for an independent with more flavoursome roasts.
IronDuke365@reddit
I never did. Why did you lot go?
No_Doubt_About_That@reddit
Too Good To Go bags
Routine_Ad1823@reddit
Because I had an hour to kill and wanted to people watch.
Aiken_Drumn@reddit
It was always shit. You're years behind on realising this.
RubberDuckyRapidsBro@reddit
Cookies and Cream Frappuccino (caffeine-free) so pretty much a milkshake since I cant stand coffee
DivideBYZero69@reddit
I don’t. The coffee is over roasted and badly prepared shit.
stevebaescemi@reddit
there's one in my local cinema and i like a nice little iced chai with my weekly cinema trip (and i get 10% off with cineworld unlimited)
Southern-Variety-777@reddit
I don’t, nor do I know anyone that does really. Just cretins, why did you go ?
AdAggressive9224@reddit
They exist if you want some sort of extremely convoluted sugary coffee based drink, like some sort of caramel latte vegan oat milk spiced iced frappachino with two extra shots and a marello cherry... That's the idea, it's expensive, slow but highly customisable, and that's kinda the point, it's for teens to kinda show off and do Instagram pics.
If you want a flat white, you want to find a millennial with a van.
Lucky_Ad_9137@reddit
Starbucks coffee tastes like the smell of burnt hair. I can't believe there is a market for it.
Sim0nsaysshh@reddit
I dont
phlipout22@reddit
I hate them. I avoid.
Visible_Pipe4716@reddit
The Frappacinos. The iced coffees from costa, Nero etc are awful in comparison
crochetprozac@reddit
A Starbucks drink is just some sort of social-status indicator: you don't go to Starbucks for the coffee - you go there for the Starbucks. So the people can see: you have a Starbucks!
That is all Starbucks is. It is a veritable Balenciaga bag for the poor-RICH wannabe!
Just go to Costa and enjoy your drink instead!
Melonpan78@reddit
I feel like this about all the big chains tho.
I find them utterly unappealing with very questionable hygiene standards.
In the past, I used to freak out over Starbucks PSL in the autumn, but everyone does nice limited edition autumn drinks now. And I would rather support small local independents, even though I think the market is saturated.
Superb-Restaurant841@reddit
No, it's on the BDS list and they have lost a lot of custom because of it. I prefer Nero or Costa anyway.
ThePolymath1993@reddit
I don't. I don't like coffee and they are guilty of peddling it.
Oh and the tax dodging.
Nah mate I'm good.
Immorals1@reddit
I don't.
But it's not exactly a hidden fact that it's disgusting, overpriced crap coffee, so you're fault if you do 🤷
IEnumerable661@reddit
I'm sure it's just franchise differences, but had my first starbucks in what must be a year at the cinema the other day. I don't purposefully avoid starbucks or anything, just the moment to go into one hasn't come up in a while.
I have to say, that was one of the worst coffees I've had in a while. It tasted like burnt beans. I just put it down to it was the end of the day, hadn't cleaned the machine properly. But boy I did not enjoy that cup of sad,
urgentassistance@reddit
Outside of the UK they are not bad
TheDawiWhisperer@reddit
I like really sweet lattes....it's expensive yeah but what isn't these days
jpepsred@reddit
It’s only £5 if you’re getting a coffee flavoured milkshake. £3.40 for a flat white is a standard fare.
Personal-Border5777@reddit
Starbucks coffee has always been shit. The other big chains are much better - especially Nero.
Away_Associate4589@reddit
1st. Nero.
2nd. Starbucks.
3rd. Go without
Everyone has their own, but that's my ranking of a crap coffee Bug Three.
astromech_dj@reddit
Tax dodging, union busting scumbag megacorp.
intangible-tangerine@reddit
I've only been to Starbucks a few times. It's a general rule that an area with a Starbucks wil have a better coffeeshop nearby also
264KB@reddit
Starbucks is my number 1 guilty pleasure, having to limit to 2 a week just due to the obscene price but my Friday morning treat is a bit of joy in my week
Pyriel@reddit
I don't.
Academic_Rip_8908@reddit
Every Starbucks I've been to has always been comically filthy.
I don't mind a chain, I'll happily go to Costa for a latte and an average toastie, but Starbucks is almost always so dirty.
JuatARandomDIYer@reddit
They're incredibly variable - broadly, I agree, but some of them are really quite pleasant. Especially, for me, some of the roadside ones in their little purpose built buildings.
I go to them because they're easy, and tend to have lots of space which is handy if I'm on the motorbike and have my helmet etc
Total rip off though, for sure, and the coffe is often not brill
coriola@reddit
Egg bites but they’re overpriced
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