Costa's to the English what Starbucks is to Americans: you can expect decent coffee every other block.
Much like Starbucks, the service is quite alright, and the drinks are moderately priced. Because these locations are LITTERED with tourists, it's always so packed in each of these locations. This location can be particularly crowded as it is in Oxford's crowded touristy area, and if that isn't enough, it's inside of Waterstone's Bookstore (so double crowded)!
The turnaround is slow as many people visit Costas for the free wi-fi accommodation and study space. Many customers pick up a book or two, plot down on the limited seats, and sit there for hours reading. Finding a table is rather hard -- especially at this location because it's somewhat small.
Because the baristas are constantly bombarded with customers, they are slow to clear the tables. I have come MANY times only to clear my own tables and wipe away the gunk with my own napkins.
Iced-blended mocha here means just mocha over ice so don't expected anything icy or frothy. There wasn't much consistency to the taste as I never knew if it was going to be good or not. The Iced American is okay.
Overall, I enjoyed this location because I love Waterstones, but I definitely wouldn't recommend this place if you're just coming for the drinks. read more