I'm sorry but I will not hold back on this one. Considering 2 or even 3 stars for 'effort' does not…read moredo this place any favours and in my personal opinion, would also be an insult to coffee shops everywhere who do actually try hard. First things first. As with any coffee-specific shop the customer is supposed to be drawn toward the counter with a big shinny fancy espresso machine. Everything in this business revolves around the machine and this is what customers expect to pay good money for. Blue onion has a crap machine, no argument. Second is the quality of coffee. The beans are, to my taste, frankly bland. No real flavour, not even something I can critique as there's no acidity, no sweetness, or no earthiness that I can discern. I'm not sure what they use here and perhaps that another problem. The beans are THE most important part of good coffee, so why doesn't this place advertise theirs? If it's good quality there should be nothing to hide. Third problem with blue onion is decor. Seriously, hire an interior decorator here!!! The most accurate word to describe is ugly. Cheesy, mixed style, linoleum flooring, exposed dirty kitchen equipment is not an inviting atmosphere. My god this is an eyesore! Fourth problem is 'brand.' This place claims to be an espresso shop, "coffee artisans" at that. So why are there all these photos whipped cream covered "cappachilla's" everywhere?! What the hell is a cappachilla anyway? This place needs to focus on the coffee, not compete with Starbucks over some invented drink to give us all diabetes. This idea to compete with Costa or Nero or Starbucks is evident everywhere in this place, from the unappetising prepackaged food to the music to the drinks. Ugh, it makes me cringe. Blue onion needs to close for 6 months and start from scratch. Better looks, better ideas, and most importantly better espresso!

Staff not really clued up. Took them a few tries to get my order right…read more Milk shakes were a bit amateurish. MAn serving was shouting out the oder to a bunch of girls who werent listening. Cant beat the main competitors I'am afraid.

THIS PLACE IS TOTALY AMAZING There panini's are the…read moreabsolutely LUSH and toasters are always hot so you know you are getting a pipping hot deluxe sandwich 10/10

Located adjacent to Top Shop in the main market square this is a great place to chill out after a…read morebusy session trying on clothes! Staff are friendly and you get served quickly but without a rushed feel. The cafe has a cosy atmostphere, so it is lovely to warm up there in winter, but it has a slightly dark and dull atmostphere in the summer which puts me off slightly! It is clean and well laid out in the style of all Costa Coffee's, but does has the feel of an individual coffee shop, i guess enhanced by the variety of characters of the staff! well worth a visit!

Plenty of seating and lovely cakes but very expensive and being placed in the middle of a shoppig…read morecentre is not the nicest of places to sit. Good if you need a break from shopping though.

Given the fairly recent refit a great opportunity to do something special with this cafe was…read moresquandered. Sadly the same tired looking food and truly dreadful coffee is still being served up and at inflated prices. A really good understanding of the technicalities of making hot beverages must be employed by management. Going to your local coffee shop should be a moment of pleasure indulging in a professionally and correctly made coffee with a delightful cake or pastry. This is lifestyle not just commercialism and if you do get it right the commercial aspect with be a roaring success.