Pretty decor, pretty bad service.
With a recent refit, this branch located just outside the Covent Garden Market (next to Belushi's) looks much nicer than it used to. Unfortunately, what they need to remodel is their staff.
They seem friendly enough, but the problems outweigh their demeanor. Firstly, the don't listen to your order. They've messed up Americanos multiple times. And because the store hires foreigners who have trouble understanding English, it compounds the issue as their staff doesn't know their own terminology.
The other issue they have is a sense of urgency. This branch gets particularly busy due its location, but their staff never seem to work or move about the store as if they care about getting through the line with any quickness; especially in the mornings when people are trying to get to work. They move slower than anyone I've ever seen at a Starbucks.
What makes matters worse is their regional manager is aware of these problems (as I've given them the feedback and even spoken to him), yet, the same problems still occur.
If you like Starbucks at all, go to the nearby one on Long Acre or across from Charing Cross Station, as they listen to you and remember you as a customer - but, AVOID this one. read more