Originally Posted by
RobbieRunner
I frequent the Starbucks near Paddington Station in London (since I stay at the Novotel near there often) and a few in Paris. I don't really recall the Coffee or Espresso being any better than stateside. Maybe it's because in London I try and get to a Cafe Nero when I can for something different and in Paris I just go to one of about a dozen cafes that I like.
Based on this, I think mentally I am prepared for foreign cafe coffee to "taste better" to me. Whether or not it ACTUALLY does is another matter. My brain is programmed to expect better coffee in Europe.
YET, the Starbucks in London always seem packed compared to Cafe Nero. The Londoners must think that Starbucks is better. More brain programming.
You can't be a profit in your own land.
Now, for a REAL kick in the head, I prefer Cuban Coffee in Miami Beach. Yowza. That stuff would wake the dead.
ISTR that Starbucks switched to a darker roast in the UK a few years ago now. It certainly tastes better (and some of the single origin ones are actively quite pleasant).
I definitely agree on Caffe Nero - and it's pleasing to see the chain grow.
However, bear in mind that the most popular coffee chain the UK is Costa. They have, to my taste, a fairly insipid and bland espresso blend - but that seems to be the secret of its success - it pleases a mass market that just isn't into the bitterness of an Italian-style espresso. It's done well with its locations, too - in a lot of smaller towns, or out-of-town retail park or supermarket outlets. There's even a drive-through near us (very much a rarity in this part of the world).
I noticed the other day that the Starbucks next to King's Cross station has done a tie-in with the fast food chain
Pod. Will be interesting to see if that trial goes anywhere...