Starbucks

I should preface this review with the fact that I am not now, and never have been, a Starbucks fan. I find the coffee watery and insipid. With that thought in mind, and browbeaten into going into this branch for a quick meeting, I was appalled (yes, dear readers, appalled) and dumbstruck to have the following exchange:
Me: «I’ll have a insert correct terminology for very large espresso please.»
Starbucks waitron: «Is not possible.»
Me: «But it’s on your menu thingy!»
Waitron «Is not possible.»
Me: «So you’re not serving coffee ?»
Waitron: «Yes. Coffee. Espresso is small coffee. Not possible make big.»
Me: «But it’s on the menu. Look. There.»
Waitron: «Is not possible».
Me: «Oh, for flips sake. I’ll have an Americano then.»
You get the picture. The beverage appeared, and did not fail to be like, well, pretty much any Starbucks coffee. While producing a hot, wet beverage appears to be a core competency for some thousands of establishments in the Greater London area, it is a special feat for staff to be apparently unaware of either what sorts of hot beverages are offered for sale at their outlet. Yes, special. Starbucks shareholders, be proud.

Au premier abord, lorsqu’on entre dans ce café, Starbucks plus grande chaîné de cafés du monde entier, on se dit que la décoration est bien dépouillée même pas digne d’un McDonald’s. On change bientôt d’avis en voyant les possibilités offertes aux choix de cafés, thés et autres pâtisseries. C’est ici qu’on vient prendre son petit déjeuner lorsqu’on est homme d’affaire afféré, ou bien un petit déjeuner tranquille le matin en sortant de l’hôtel. Bref… un bon moment à passer autour d’un café c’est chez Starbucks que ça se passé.

A relaxing atmosphere right off Oxford St. A great alternative to the very crowded Starbucks in the area.
It usually there is a comfy space available, so a good place to unwind after a busy shopping trip or after a business meeting.

Really great Starbucks. Its no Costa coffee, but its great for a starbucks. Its usually quite quiet and empty, and the drinks and food served here is very good. The coffee especially.
The staff are very kind, helpful and fast. There is always one of the nice comfy armchairs available when I go, and so this has become my favourite starbucks to come with a good long book to read, where I know I won’t get kicked out for sitting there too long!