Costa moved into the old Woolworth's around a year ago, and it's proven really popular with working adults, housewives and students alike - I have never seen the place empty. As a sixth-former, I'd arrange to go with my friends when we had Monday mornings off, every other week - turns out a lot of us had similar systems. If you go in around half past three on a weekday in term time, you're likely to see at least two groups of schoolkids at tables with their (often shared) cappucinos and cakes - it's a peculiar, but not unpleasant sight!
It's a regular-sized place - not too big, not too small. They had an extension added a couple of months ago; there are 10-15 tables, I think, including a couple of leather sofas, some bar stooling and smaller tables for couples or threes. The lights are dimmed, there is soft, folky music playing - take "Thieves" by She & Him as an example - and it generally feels quite modern, yet mature. You get free WiFi, and the password is displayed on posters around the shop.
The range is big; while they're really pushing the coolers for summer, you can order all manner of drinks with different syrups and blends. There is tea (Twinings - breakfast, green, peppermint, fruit) as well as hot chocolate, and in the chiller they stock Innocent Smoothies, juices, water and fizzy drinks alongside their sandwiches and fruit.
Their baked selection is good - they always have some wrapped biscotti and traybakes like tiffin as well as the mandatory muffins, pastries and cake slices. The staff aren't knowledgeable about the ingredients, but they don't bake anything on premises. Other offerings include toast, with Marmite if you like - made on the grill and brought to you.
I've found that staff are really friendly and willing to help you out if you have any requirements or questions - I've had enough requests to drive most baristas mad, but they get answered! They will happily swap milk for soy, sugar for sweetener, remove honey/cream/yoghurt etc and check what's in everything, although they don't always have access to that information if the items are made off-site. They know their goods, too, and will give tips on the most popular or their favourites if you ask.
It's the little extras that make me smile - they'll cool your drink down if you're going outside and want to drink it soon, and let you stand around a bit if it's rainy and cold outside! They are, however, quite strict about outside food and drink - even if you've bought several drinks and a plate of cakes, you can't have cakes or other really substantial food at your table.
It's worth getting a Costa card; you get 200 points when you register online, which is enough for a coffee, I think. I've had a free cup of green tea, and I visit somewhere between once a week and once a fortnight. The points mount up quickly if you're a regular, and they don't have any time frame in which you have to redeem your points.
As a brand, Costa is really consistent, so I can't exactly tell you that the Ashby branch is exceptional. What really sways it for me is that it's much more personal than, for instance, the branch is Leicester - in a small town, you get to know your baristas and you get just that extra bit of service. It's a great place to frequent. read more