Ok, first off, I like coffee and i think Starbucks make great Frappaccinos!
The price is a little high, but I don't mind paying it if it gets me exactly what i want.
But, I'm not reviewing one drink on the menu, I'm reviewing all of them and the venue.
My pet peeve is personified by Stabucks though. If I go in to a half-empty coffee shop I expect to easily get a seat.
In Starbucks that never happens, 1-2 people spread themselves and their laptops and notes out as far as is humanly possible for no apparent reason & will refuse to move things if asked. Ok, this is a personal problem but it's a characteristic that goes 100% undeterred by the staff/ management, so it's on Starbucks invitation that people are this ignorant in their cafes.
Likewise with the single person at a table for 4 who needs the extra space for placing a bag on and resents any request to allow 2 people to sit at the far end of the table.
As far as their coffee goes, it's very good if you're getting a frappaccino or anything like a regular coffee.
However, be warned, if you get a vanilla coffee or mocha or anything else that requires them to "put a shot of syrup" into your coffee you will just get a coffee that taste kind of flavoured- until you get to the last quarter which will have the strong sugary taste of syrup resting there. Try, as you might, to stir it in before drinking the coffee at all will only end in failure.
As for the staff, i don't think I've ever encountered any rude staff in Starbucks, least of all this one- which is amazing for the number of layabout students who sit there, nursing a single coffee for hours, taking up an entire table, using their laptop for nothing urgent.
If i was working there I would flip out at these people. it's a testament to the staff that they don't.
So, i'm giving a star for the friendly staff.
A star for the overall taste of their coffee.
And a star for their bites to eat (especially the cake doughnuts!)
Stars go for the cost of it all, and the bad layout.
If you go there, you know what you're getting. If not, i'm not sure I'd ever recommend Starbucks- or even choose it over one or two- of the other coffee shops in the area.
Putting cost & 'atmosphere' aside, if you do need a Starbucks coffee to go, it's definitely friendly efficient service! read more