Starbucks

I promise, I did visit places other than chains on my most recent trip to London…
But this particular Starbucks does deserve a nod for keeping me upright on a rather busy weekend. Let’s get one thing clear: I hate Starbucks. It is usually the LAST place I would consider grabbing coffee, let alone breakfast, so when I throw down a three star, you can bet it’s a rather enthusiastic nod.
This particular Starbucks was the closest portal for caffeine during Unilocal’s Mulled Wine Fest, meaning that for four days, us folks working the festival threw our disheveled selves at their mercy at least twice a day. Now, I can’t say that the coffee magically got any better during this time, but what I will note is how frickin cheerful the staff were! I ran into this place with group orders a few times over the weekend and not only were they the speedy you expect at a Starbucks, but every staff member I encountered was delightfully cheery.
… and the ham croissant was ok.
Between ok breakfast sandwiches, sub par coffee and happy staff — this Starbucks kept me upright during a long three days and I begrudgingly love them for it.

Ok, I go to Starbucks quite a lot, I know. I drink a lot of coffee, and Starbucks is a safe call. You’d expect some decent service though, and this one is not bad. I would even say good but… It could be better.
The baristas are lovely, but I personally don’t feel the authenticity I sense in other Starbucks (Finsbury Square for instance where I go quite a lot). Probably because they deal with a lot of tourists… But still, baristas are very kind. I just wish sometimes they do not rush that much. I guess they have no choice though given their location.
Despite all of that, I’ll gladly go there grab my tall black Americano. Because, well, it’s Starbucks and you can’t go wrong having your coffee there! :)

I sort of couldn’t believe what happened to my friend and I in this particular branch. We both ordered a water and were sitting talking passionately and enthusiastically about the matinée we had just seen when a member of staff (possibly the manager) came over and told us we were being too loud and to be quieter as he couldn’t concentrate on his job. Now fair enough if we were drunk and swearing and being roudy and offensive. But it was the middle of the day and we were drinking water and talking about theatre. I guess because we’re not miserable business robots we don’t fit in.

Pretty décor, pretty bad service.
With a recent refit, this branch located just outside the Covent Garden Market (next to Belushi’s) looks much nicer than it used to. Unfortunately, what they need to remodel is their staff.
They seem friendly enough, but the problems outweigh their demeanor. Firstly, the don’t listen to your order. They’ve messed up Americanos multiple times. And because the store hires foreigners who have trouble understanding English, it compounds the issue as their staff doesn’t know their own terminology.
The other issue they have is a sense of urgency. This branch gets particularly busy due its location, but their staff never seem to work or move about the store as if they care about getting through the line with any quickness; especially in the mornings when people are trying to get to work. They move slower than anyone I’ve ever seen at a Starbucks.
What makes matters worse is their regional manager is aware of these problems (as I’ve given them the feedback and even spoken to him), yet, the same problems still occur.
If you like Starbucks at all, go to the nearby one on Long Acre or across from Charing Cross Station, as they listen to you and remember you as a customer — but, AVOID this one.

I don’t like English Starbucks, thy’re not the same as In France: no choice & the cleanliness level is low
My Frappuccino was very bad

This Starbucks has extremely useful opening hours as it’s open till 9! Very warm and friendly.

Compared to the other starbucks’s close-​by, this one is rathe good. It still gets really busy during lunch hours, but the drinks are all good here!
My only problem with this starbucks, and the reason why it doesn’t get 5* is because they refuse to let non-​customers use the bathroom, and its not very well kept anyway.