There's nothing better than a welcoming coffee shop when you're sick of shopping, the weather turns nasty, or you just want to rest your feet and relax. Caffe Nero is my favourite pick of the bunch so far as I have always had good service there and never had any problems over cold tea or soggy cake!
-...:: General ::...-
Caffe Nero was founded in 1997 and has since then become more and more popular with branches is various UK locations. It has won awards for 'Best Coffee House' and focusses its philosophy around 'coffee and atmosphere'. I personally am not a coffee drinker, but there's no anti-coffee prejudice at Nero. They serve various beverages, both hot and cold, to appeal to a range of tastes. Hot drinks include: Cappaucino, Caramelatte, Chai Latte, Hot Chocolate, Late, White Chocolate Mocha... and cold drinks include: Frappe Milkshakes (ie. banana, mint, vanilla, strawberry, double chocolate), Frappe Latte, Fresh or Organic OJ, Fruit Booster (ie. mango / pineapple, orange & banana - very nice!/strawberry & rasberry), Iced Chai Latte, Lemonade).
They also serve a selection of food and nibbles from cakes, desserts and muffins to sandwhiches, wraps, salads and paninis.
As far as price is concerned I find these priced within a medium range, not cheap and cheerful but not overly expencive either. They offer a loyalty card which you can pick up at the counter for free and each time you purchase a drink they stamp it. Once you have purchased 9 you get your 10th drink free! I go for a frappe milkshake when I get my freebie as they are quite pricey at just under £3.
-...:: The Good Stuff ::...-
I have always had good service at Caffe Nero - the staff always seem to friendly, happy and helpful which gives the place a great atmosphere. The decor is tasteful and clean; I've never been to a Nero that's felt tatty or dirty in any way. Since the smoking ban, I like to take my hot chocolate outside so I can have it with a cigarette. Lots of branches offer a few tables and chairs undercover out the front of the store, and the drinks are available to take away in cardboard cups if you'd prefer. From what I've tried in there, I would rate the quality very highly. I would especially rate the double choc frappe milkshakes because they're so thick and creamy and delicious! Nero also has a little station where you can get a glass of cold water (free) along with your usual sugars, stirrers etc. For those that like to know dietry specs before they go out, google caffe nero for their website which offers nutritional info on their drinks and food menu.
-...:: The Not So Good Stuff ::...-
If you're looking for a cuppa coffe and a cake for under £2 then you wont find it here. The prices, like I've said, aren't rediculous though when compared to other coffee shops and I have found that I always get my moneys worth on every visit.
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Mar 2nd, 2009
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