Coffee Shops.

[Georgiesmum]

Do any of you use coffee shops regularly? They seem to be cropping up everywhere on our high streets now..

[Mamyalynne]

Very rarely, yes they do.

[Baldric]

No.

[janbee]

I never use chain coffee shops. Luckily, I have several excellent small family run coffee shops near me. Greek, Italian, Iranian, French, Polish. All excellent.

[mrs_overall]

No.
I use local cafes as I would rather support local businesses than multi national chains.
Plus, the local cafes are cheaper

[Butterbun]

Not regularly, no. Occasionally when out shopping and in need of refreshments.

[AlwaysConfused]

no. I used to love going to a cafe for a toastie and tea. I cringe when people suggest going to Costa, for example, for a coffee. These companies have killed off so many traditional tea shops/cafes. I've only had a costa coffee once, and only because it was in the hospital grounds, and I wasn't overly impressed, least by the price!

[Georgiesmum]

Ive never had a Costa coffee but one is going to be in our town centre soon i read. They are expensive are they?

[Georgiesmum]

Like you I usually go in one of our local cafes and I have a tuna and red onion sandwich for lunch with a mug of tes. Hard to beat!

[hc4361]

I have no idea about types of coffee, I want to be able to order a coffee without having a long list of options.
I hate those huge bowls they serve it in, putting a handle on the side does not make it a cup. The coffee goes cold too quickly.
So, no, I don't regularly use coffee shops although I do use tea rooms and cafés

[AlwaysConfused]

Yes, they are expensive, and you'll find a production line rather than actual service.

[marval]

No I don't, I prefer to use more local places.

[viv41]

Yes, I like them.

[tamborine]

Costa charge £2.50 for coffee & £2 for tea served in paper cups. Apart from cost, they ask your name that they shout out for collection when your order is ready. I value my privacy so dont use them.

[viv41]

They've never asked for my name and bring my food order to the table without any fuss.

[Mamyalynne]

Tell 'em your name's Pike Tambo.

[Butterbun]

I've never been to Costa, the daughter drags me to Starbucks. The hot chocolate is very good and we get them in a proper mug.

[Eve]

I use them pretty much daily. Only one chain nearby is open that early as they open at 6am. I like being able to have options like soya or skimmed milk, syrups and seasonal options. All very popular in the city and loads round here.

I also like being able to sit outside, often reading, at other chains I go to. They are very convenient for me location wise.

If you're a regular you get to know the staff like anywhere.

[paddywak]

Not since I spent twenty minutes in Starbucks trying to explain that all I wanted was an ordinary black coffee not something with a fancy name pretending to be coffee.

[Canary42]

Tamborine: Jack Dee told a story on TV of how he behaved when Costa asked his name. He replied c u p o s h i t e.
He said they hesitated quite a long time before holding up his cup and calling out his name.

[Canary42]

No, I use local cafes.