We've visited this Starbucks a few times, the first when it was new and shiny, with a queue almost out the door, a second queue of people waiting to get their drinks and the usual difficulty finding a seat.
Our most recent visit was far different. The queue wasn't particularly long, which was a bit strange for a Sunday lunchtime nearing the end of November, with the start of the Christmas shopping madness looming.
After placing our food and drink order (couldn't resist the Xmas wraps and seasonal drinks) we found a table without any issues, with loads of free tables and hardly any queue things felt a bit weird .
The staff were pleasant, but the place didn't feel right.
The floors looked like they could do with at least a quick brush, if not a good wash.
The tables, seats and even the window sills (we were sitting looking out) had traces of previous customers coffee and snacks (crumbs, coffee stains etc)
I quickly realised that the one member of staff that was clearing the tables only appeared to be lifting trays, mugs and leftovers but not wiping down the tables or chairs. He then disappeared into the back area only to appear after a long while to clear another table, again without wiping things down, so it's no wonder that the place looked disheveled and unloved.
I started to wonder if this was regular for this place and that's the reason why it's the only Starbucks I've been to that you're not tripping over other customers and fighting to get a seat?
Even some of the smaller touches that I come to expect from a Starbucks, like the "free" iTunes games/music download cards, were missing. It's a bit strange when you expect something to be the same and instead you're left feeling that somethings lacking, it just leaves you with an uneasy feeling
Since our original visit was quite positive and this visit was more miss than hit, I'm going to be kind and say that this is probably a one off. The food we ordered was hot and the drinks were fine (My better half's Late was a bit too strong for her taste ) so I'll be nice and see what happens the next time we visit. read more