This is an interesting review for me because this Starbucks is the closest one to where I grew up. My high school is just down the road and my old neighbourhood just past that.
I am looking at the mall surrounding this Starbucks and it looks nothing like the non-descript strip mall of my youth. It's better, but in some ways I wish the old one was still here. Alas, progress.
Had Starbucks been here when I was a teen, it wouldn't have mattered. I hated coffee then. Getting up early was easier then too. Coffee seems to be one of those rites of passage into adulthood.
Being here is also a reminder of how the rest of the world has made its impression on the town I grew up in.
As Starbucks go, this is a nice one. I'm reminded of where I am because of the faint rotten egg smell from the pulp mills which power this town's economy. (I've never noticed it until now, but the smell is faintly reminiscent of urine.)
I could work in this Starbucks despite the dreary, overcast day with the smoke from nearby forest fires also in the sky.
Busyness - It's slow on this Saturday morning, but I'm sure it & the drive-thru are busy during the week. With the University of Northern BC just down the road, I'm sure this Starbucks is regularly full of UNBC students.
Noisiness - It's a slow weekend morning, so it's not noisy but the refrigerator hum is ever-present.
Ambience - All expectations of decor & colour scheme are met. There's a gas fireplace in the corner & relaxing music in the air. The lighting isn't that bright, but light levels are good with extensive floor to ceiling windows.
Power - There are only a couple places with easy access to power, so you may need an extension cord. Floor to ceiling windows hamper power availability. Starbucks should have in-floor outlets maybe?
Free wifi - I see the signs, so I have to believe it's here & works. No laptop with me today.
Staff - Friendly & attentive.
Seating - There are 16 seats here and a few tables on a decent size patio. The two armchairs are right in front of the gas fireplace & I'm sure they're prized positions in cold PG winters (not as cold as they used to be though). The tables are the small round cafe style, so not much room. There are two larger tables to work at & with good access to power.
Security - The usual precautions apply. That being said, this isn't the 'hood.' read more