Why mention this particular branch of Caffe Nero? Well, as I found out completely by accident, when I had quite an important meeting with a potential colleague, this outlet offers live music. And for somewhere that's seemingly shunted to the office end of Deansgate, that's something of an achievement and offers pleasant respite from sharp suits making spider diagrams and talking about monthly targets.
I've always liked Caffe Nero, I suppose as much as you can like a chain coffee house. I know people who spatter vitriol at the word 'Starbucks' but no one seems to feel that strongly about Nero... I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Perhaps a quiet, peaceful thing. I went through a phase when I was working at Barratt's Shoes in Southport (peh! *spits vitriol*) where, due to a heatwave and a hazardous lack of air conditioning in that hellhole of a shop, I became addicted to the fruit boosters at the Caffe Nero next door. Still to this day if the summer sun beats down, I cannot resist a fruit booster, a delicious, pulpy sorbet of a drink chockfull of real fruit. I've tried the Starbucks alternative, and I'm afraid it just doesn't cut the pineapple.
I have friends who swear by Caffe Nero caramel lattes for their naughty morning fix, and the paninis you can get in there, toasted for you and melty fresh, are good value for money. With live music to boot this Deansgate offering is cosy, comfy and cultured. If you make it to one Caffe Nero in the city, make it this one. read more