Time to get some preconceived notions out the door first. I always think it's incredibly stupid when a smaller chain opens opposite a bigger chain. So when I see a coffee shop open opposite a Starbucks, as in this case, I don't really have any expectation that it'll last very long.
Ok, now that's done, lets talk about the actual experience. So one of the really good things about Bru is that they open till 11pm - perfect for a pre late night cinema drink. The other good thing is the very extensive menu, both for drinks and for desserts. You don't really grasp that until you've opened the menu. For example, they do virgin mojitos. I love a virgin mojito, but I'd never expect a coffee shop to be a place that did one. Heck, they even do flavoured virgin mojitos.
Truth be told, this isn't just a coffee shop - it's a dessert lounge masquerading as a coffee shop. When you walk in, the first thing that you are confronted by is the displace of gelato in front of you. Then they have an entire menu for desserts (of which coffee/tea is a single page). Next time I'm there, I have to go with an emptier stomach to try out a waffle stick.
So with all this enthusiasm, why only three stars? Simply put, the staff (or at least the one we dealt with) really didn't want to be there at 10:05pm. Like really didn't want to be there. Spent ten minutes cashing up another till before she even looked at us, let alone took our order. The other staff member was busy sorting out two other customer's food orders. When we eventually got served, she then left us without any milk for the tea. Fortunately the other guy sorted us out. Hopefully day shift people are better, so here's hoping this is just a temporary review till I get there during a normal nine to five, since this place has potential. Just a shame they opened it opposite a Starbucks. read more