Poll: Your favourite chain café?

[[TW]Fox]

I like Costa but prefer Starbucks as they do a reasonably priced fresh filter coffee.

 

[RomanNose]

I prefer just bog standard cafe's, not the ridiculously priced chains.

 

[POB]

McDonalds.

Its way cheaper, and you get a free one every so many cups.

I just get the coffee, black no sugar so I don't need the fancy syrups and cream.

Wish they would serve the same apple pies you get in the USA ones, the UK ones are just fried pastry and not baked.

 

[Freefaller]

Don't like the flavour of Starbucks coffee. Nero and Costa are both ok, with Nero probably a little ahead.

For food, Pret A Manger's not bad.

Though Leon is amazing! Don't know if it's a chain though.

However, I'd choose to go to an independent coffee shop if I had the choice.

 

[jackthezipper]

If I was sitting in somewhere then Nero (or whatever is closest) though I generally just buy a coffee from Greggs as it's nearest work.

 

[Wizzfizz]

All pretentious over-priced garbage IMO.

Pretty much this.

 

[Kosmiche]

Went with costa as I prefer the styling of their logo to the others, and the name is better imo.

They're also a bit more "homely" inside if that makes sense, plenty of comfy seating if I recall and warm lighting, nero is a bit like a art gallery type feel and starbucks is like a wine bar that only serves coffee.

 

[Nexus]

I try to go to a decent independent whenever possible for coffee (of which there are plenty of gems in London).

As far as chains go, I tend to prefer Costa and Cafe Nero over Starbucks. I think a lot of people just love the Starbucks brand and think they do amazing coffee, when they don't, which is also why it has that poser culture in store.

Ultimately though, I think the Barista and by extension the individual franchise comes into it. I've had good coffees from Cafe Nero for example, but there are times when the Barista has burnt the milk, meaning you don't get a very good coffee.

Edit:
I've had coffee from Pret (usually when I've had to grab breakfast at work) and they can be quite nice, as they make their lattes pretty strong.

The one thing I will give Starbucks credit for is their chilled drinks, which is also what I suppose helped their popularity when expanding abroad. I don't have them very often, but the Strawberry and Cream Frappaucino is pretty good as a treat. I used the loyalty card points I had for a similar Frappaucino in Nero and it was terrible.

 

[Ricochet J]

I like Costa but prefer Starbucks as they do a reasonably priced fresh filter coffee.

I know the question was "What is your favourite chain cafe?" but are you taking the ****? Chains are not reasonably priced.

I've been to a number of cafe's where the average price of a fresh filter coffee is around a £1.

The chains are vastly over priced. I've found coffee tastes much better at a private place too.

 

[qqg3]

Out of that list Nero usuaslly has the best tasting drinks and the nicest atmosphere. Never ever been satisfied with Pret and Starbucks are just generally annoying for some reason here (they seem nicer in the US).

 

[talonsco]

I try to avoid them if I can. Too much of a skinflint to pay that much for a cup of tea

 

[sbi5ar]

Coffee#1

(Chain in South Wales/South East England)

 

[TurnipHead]

Marks and Spencer do a glorious hot chocolate.

 

[Kazz]

Nero every morning before work, easily the best and most importantly, consistently good coffee. Well, in the town I work in anyway .

 

[Kosmiche]

Went with costa as I prefer the styling of their logo to the others, and the name is better imo.

They're also a bit more "homely" inside if that makes sense, plenty of comfy seating if I recall and warm lighting, nero is a bit like a art gallery type feel and starbucks is like a wine bar that only serves coffee.

Wow my vague recollections were bang on the money.

"homely" costa http://www.oates-construction.co.uk/gallery/costa-04.jpg

"art gallery" nero http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/472763691_ef34f4194b.jpg

"wine bar" starbucks http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uBtNJz401...AAALM/G5DJPSo4w9A/s400/starbucks+interior.jpg

 

[Scam]

I live in London so generally manage to avoid the chains. My thoughts..

Starbucks... consistently 'alright' coffee.. first choice
Costa... costa-lot. Coffees on par with Starbucks but always seems expensive so I generally avoid
Pret... i like their filter coffee because it's cheap Not much good for anything else
Nero.. yuck. Far too strong faux Italian coffee.

 

[D D Danneh]

I hate to be a stereotypical coffee house-er but I find my local Nero's is the perfect place to just sit and chill with a coffee. I'm not a big coffee drinker and I don't go in a lot, but when I do I find myself especially productive. Maths homework at the back table has happened a few times

 

[Pawnless Endgame]

Thanks for polling this up Dons Didn't know about Pret A Manger sorry, so thanks for adding that too.

 

[kwerk]

trucker coffee from petrol station, along with some mashed potatoes.

 

[Streeteh]

Pret as they do a fit tuna and cucumber baguette.

Just thinking about it has made me hungry.