Tired of walking -- because if you're not on the tube, you're walking --I decided to relax at what is probably the Peet's Coffee equivalent of London. While Starbucks seems to have planted its evil seed all over the world, there probably won't ever be another coffee shop chain that'll ever supplant its dominance. But that's alright! I'd rather the masses crowd the corner Starbucks so I can grab a seat here.
After standing in a quickly moving line, I walked up to the counter to order, and immediately established a rapport with the female barista. I had requested soy milk for my chai. She had indicated that in her two years working there, this was the first time she ever had a customer request soy milk. Odd. Let me tell you, though; I'm not sure what else was in that chai tea, but it was the best damn chai tea I've ever had. So much, in fact, that I had stopped at two other Caffe Nero's to order the exact same thing each time.
Sure, there really isn't much to go on when judging a coffee shop. There's just the basics. Does this place have interactive and friendly baristas? Check. And she had engaged in conversation with me throughout the night. Does this coffee shop offer free WIFI? Word. I spent an extra half hour just to take advantage. Do they have comfortable seating? In the back they do. And, most importantly, are their drinks worthy of coming back for?
I rest my case. read more