Caffe Nero

I might have a Nero problem. Partly this is because O2 sends me offers of free coffee at Nero, partly it’s because I’m a coffee junky generally, partly because I’m hooked on their tuna melt paninis.
This one is a little on the small side, but is laid out smartly enough to feel cosy, rather than cramped. I’m not convinced by the placement of the chiller counter (it’s on the opposite wall to the coffee counter and kind of tucked behind some seats, so you might have to ask folk to move) but apart from that they do well with their small space. It’s also super handy for Glasgow Queen Street station and, not being situated in the station itself, or on the main shopping drag of Buchanan Street, it’s often a bit quieter than other nearby options.
It boasts free WiFi, comfy seats and friendly staff. While I was there a bunch of backpackers came in and the staff were quite happy to keep their bags to one side for them while they had coffees and sandwiches. Perhaps this wouldn’t have been possible had the store been busier, but I thought it was a nice gesture. As for me, my order was taken and served quickly and as I would hope and did indeed involve a tuna melt panini.

In theory, I should love this branch of Caffe Nero — it’s really handy for Queen St station, has coffee I like and it’s a nice, cosy shop.
In reality, it’s sadly the worst Nero I’ve visited. The staff are pleasant, but slow doesn’t begin to describe the pace they prepare your coffee at. It seems to me that, too often, they’re too busy chatting to each other to focus on what they’re doing. This probably explains why I’ve never had my order made correctly any time I’ve been here.
If you’re popping in for s coffee before catching a train, make sure you have plenty of time — otherwise, save yourself the hassle and go to the Nero at Buchanan Galleries.

Considering that this is a chain, it’s actually a really nice branch.
They have free wifi, and it works! This is a huge plus. The servers were friendly, and at 10am on a Monday morning it wasn’t too busy but still had folk in it it to give it a buzz.
If I were ever in the centre of Glasgow and needing a pit stop for some free wifi, laptop time and a tea and wee cake or sandwich, this would probably be a pretty good option!

Like it. Coffee with the Italian theme, and the special café Nero house blend of secret coffee. The coffee wakens you up and this is definitely what you need when you are getting on the 7.45 train to Edinburgh. Ahhh! I think as my eyelids slowly close over, and this is whilst walking. Café Nero for that reason is for sure a perfect location. Although there are a few other main competitors in the near vicinity, for me there is usually nothing much more in it than price.
I am not a loyal customer but I would recommend it for the purpose of a coffee on the go and a sneaky sandwich for lunch, which rarely makes it to lunch. I am always hungry.

Now normally i wouldn’t even consider reviewing a chain coffee store, as well, there chains, you walk into one in Glasgow you may as well be waking into one in London. This one however is a little different. Now as far as chain shops go, i have to say i’m a bit of a Nero fan, there’s just something about the place that they’ve got right… its like an up market Costa…
The best thing about this one however is its proximity to Queen Street Station. Now those of you who have travelled from Queen Street or indeed any train station will know that once your inside you may as well add an extra £1.50 to everything you buy. Well this just sucks especially when your weighted down with bags, children, goats, others and are in desperate need of a coffee to stem the tide while you wait for your train.
Fear not intrepid travelers for there is a nice coffee shop not 10 feet away from the west entrance to the station…
Worth a visit if your about to make a long journey or even if you tire of the never ending amount of Starbucks on Sauchiehall Street.

Another chain of coffee shops.
It’s just outside Queen St Station and so ideal for a quick caffeine rush before boarding your train. Their prices are reasonable and their coffee is better than a lot of its competitors.
The staff in this particular shop are great. An unfortunate accident with my girlfriend’s coffee (she says she dropped her cup — I say she might as well have thrown it) lead to our table, the floor and, eh, me being drowned in coffee. The staff weren’t fazed and even joked about it as we cleaned up the mess.
A great quick stop for coffee before a long journey.