I called in Costa Coffee in Pretswich to check out the gluten free situation after grabbing a meal at Croma next store, this is located in a small retail estate with an independant cafe, and a few bars and restaurants, which makes me consider is a chain really needed here, especially such a small store in general.
As someone who prefers independent coffee shops, I like Pinto's across the way, but with them having typical opening hours, they are not open all day and into the evening, like this store is (open until 5:30 on a Sunday I think)
The staff here seemed quite nice, a little relaxed and probably winding down and ready to finish their shift, they didn't mind me walking in, just before closing and grabbing a newspaper, which I had noticed folded up in the order of the floor of 2 tables (I know, I had the whole cafe laughing), and then looking at the newspaper stand which was all mixed up.
I don't really like the coffee at Costa compared to other branches compared to most other chains and I think Huttson L nailed it, but one thing I like about Costa is they always have a few newspapers, and I was lucky enough to find The Sunday Telegraph today.
The counter is quite small with a small selection of food, meaning the only gluten free food available was one wrap, and a few brownies (which are not very nice anyway), I admit this is better than some stores but still quite poor.
This store is still a small store, and with a parking fee to park in a complex, which means you can't just run in for a coffee, especially considering how small and dangerous the car park is, that ruins this store too, meaning it can only be a store to visit, if you are in the area, and really isn't worth parking up for. Based on this and also issues with the size of the counter and gluten free selection, I feel this store only warrants 2 stars. read more