In what is usually a very busy branch of Caffe Nero, it was pleasant to find only a small queue. Unfortunately it would seem that the management are not spending enough time on honing the service skills of their staff. It is not my fault if any one particular barista lacks job satisfaction and if this is the case then perhaps they should re-evaluate their direction in life. As a customer ordering a mug of tea I should not be made to feel as though I am at some kind of fault.
Despite the occasionally noisy lawyer-type clientèle, this particular branch was previously favourable for a quiet hour or so of getting stuck into book. While not especially noisy during this visit, the general hostility behind the glare of the barista whose job it was to clear tables was inescapable and did not make for a pleasant atmosphere. Needless to say, the entire patronage was under identical scrutiny.
During my cup of tea I had to leave my table for a brief moment, taking my belongings with me but leaving half a cup of tea behind. Upon returning to table I found a member of staff enjoying their lunch. This I did not particularly mind, although being offered a glare of hostile amusement when I picked up my cup and moved to another table further added to the overall disappointment.
Avoid unless necessary or if feeling particularly masochistic. read more