Is the review listing fixed? Wow, only a week to insert a 'ORDER BY Date' in the SQL code!
Is the review listing fixed? Wow, only a week to insert a 'ORDER BY Date' in the SQL code!
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:70
Members who trust:31
I'm a coffee snob. I can't stand cheap coffee. In fact, I get offended if someone tries to offer me Morrisons own blend!!!
Obviously, this costs me a fortune, especially at work. Whilst I don't drink a lot of coffee, one or two cups at the most, my days are better if there is a cup of coffee on my desk before 9.30am!
So, what does such a screwed up lad do when he needs his good quality brew? Well, we have a StopGap (like you get at train stations) at work, which does espresso (please note the correct spelling!) based coffee.... This barely passes in the quality stakes!
So, when I'm not at work, the only place I tend to go is a caffe nero!
History: Rather helpfully, the Caffe nero website doesn't have a history web site (well, it does, but it's 'coming soon'!). However, it's been around a while.... probably not as long as Costa Coffee, which started in the 1960's
Philosophy: This IS from their web site: "The Caffè Nero philosophy is really very simple. Coffee. Atmosphere. Food and service are the key elements to our business and excellence in all four areas
is required in order to achieve our aim. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a great cup of coffee and a quality snack in a warm, authentic European coffee house atmosphere served in a friendly manner. Nothing less than this is acceptable." Well, what do I think of this? Read on....
Locations: The coffee house market at the moment is far from crowded... Manchester, population approx 1 million people and has a few nero’s, especially the beautiful one which I visited in Piccadilly Gardens, but Ipswich, where I live, has only three coffee chains, with O'Briens and an independant doing decent coffee as well. The three chains are normally busy to say the least. There is at least a Nero in most towns, although my home town has yet to get one. In London, you are never further than 500 yards from both a tube station and a Nero!
Decor: This is where Nero's differ (in a positive way) from the rest. Starbucks and Costa have a decent atmosphere (this stemming from the decor) but there is something about nero's which sets it apart from the rest. The cherrywood flooring, the redish walls, the Italian posters and prints (some quite comical) and the lovely leather sofa's.
Yes, they all look the same, but there is nothing better than plonking in a great big sofa with a good mug of coffee!
Drinks (not inc coffee!): You don't get the usual stuff in a nero. They have these water based fruit juices which are very refreshing (the Pink grapefruit one being my fave). They also have a few soft drink varieties, and also plenty of fruit juices, which can be blended with ice.
Food: Another good reason for eating at nero's:
Sandwiches: They have a few varieties and there are some veggie options. The food isn't too fancy. Crayfish and Salad might sound Grand, but Crayfish are like big prawns. Quite nice they are too! Panini: They have some good varieties here. Some are seasonal based, but my fave is the meatball and cheese one! The are very tasty, although, it has to be said, my local one is sadly lacking on a sunday :-( Soups: They have some soups which can be microwaved. haven't tried one yet Pasta: Yum! Whilst the pasta doesn't look that appetising in the plastic containers, it tastes fantastic, and the portions are perfect size! Danish and Cakes: Croissant, Muffins, cakes, cheesecake. They have the lot!
Coffee: The important bit! Whilst they have all the same types of brew as everywhere else, there are two things which sets them apart.
Firstly, they use good beans. I have a friend who works in the coffee industry and has always said that the only difference between all the different coffee places is the bean that they use. Obviously, nero's use a good one. The coffee is smooth and not bitter, and, if you have ever been scared of trying an espresso, try one at nero's. You'll be surprised!
Secondly, they aren't like the cheapskates at Starbucks..... They use two shots of espresso in a coffee, not the one, although you can request one if you wish!
Ambience: This is why I love Nero's. They pick good locations, and they even haved piped music. However, it's background and classical based. certainly doesn't annoy you!
Prices: This varies a little on location, but these are indicative: Coffee: £1.90 for a latte Food: Normal sarnies around £2.50, panini based around £3.50, pasta around £3.50 also. The Danishes start at around £1.20 Cold drinks vary greatly, but start at around a pound.
Other things: They have wifi access based on the surf and sip network, http://www.surfandsip.com/, although this doesn't have many partnerships alas. You won't be able to use it with BT's Openzone, for example.
Toilets: Does depend on location. The Manchester ones are normally fresh and clean although some london ones leave a lot to be desired.
Cleaniness: Most nero's tend to be clean and the tables are cleaned quite regular!
Caffe nero's have everything you want from a coffee chain, and, at present, are still the only chain that have a buy 9 get the 10th free scheme :-)
I'd much rather walk that extra mile for a Nero than go to another chain!
Pictures of Caffe Nero
coffee
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
You know you really should have gone for a cheesy pun title involving Nero pefidling while Rome burned...... Anyway, I avoid these coffee shops cos the name looks like it says CAFE NERD. k8 x
miggmoggspud 09.11.2007 13:29
I'm one of those weirdos who hate coffee (even the smell makes me feel sick!) so I won't be visiting even though you have made it sound very welcoming. Alexandra x
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Great atmosphere, friendly service, tasty drinks and a range of snacks Disadvantages: Could be a tad expencive if you make a trip there on a regular basis
gothic_moon 02.03.2009 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Caffe Nero
Advantages: Great atmosphere, friendly service, tasty drinks and a range of snacks Disadvantages: Could be a tad expencive if you make a trip there on a regular basis
gothic_moon 02.03.2009 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Caffe Nero
Aug 2nd, 2005
exceptional by (1%):
very helpful by (96%):
helpful by (3%):
