Caffè Nero

Back when I was a student this was my favourite hangout place to read articles and edit my essays. I love sitting in the winter-​garden-​like addition in the back of this café.
What I really like about this branch of Caffè Nero is that all the staff are Italian — I like being greeted with a warm and melodic Italian accent… makes really for a true experience.

Caffe Nero in Highgate was a disappointing experience for me.
I have visited various Caffe Nero shops around London, since this is the only coffee shop chain I actually like. The last time I visited the Highgate branch, it was so filthy that I left before finishing my drink. There were only a few customers inside, but I couldn’t find a clean table at all. The upstairs seating has only few tables anyway, due to the constrictions of space, so you’d expect them to be spotless. There was only one person working in the shop at the time, but that is still no excuse. I ordered a hot chocolate which arrived tepid and a piece of cake which tasted old and dry, like it was sitting on the counter for couple of days. I felt very ripped off. The table was sticky with spilt drinks and glass bottom marks and the space underneath my table was covered in crumbs.
I was so disgusted with the whole place that I left in haste, without finishing my food.
I will never go to this place again. Shame really, as I like the area and go there often at the weekends.