Starbucks? Pah! Who needs that when you've got Cafe Nero! (Caffe Nero)

Member Name: chocolate_kiz

Product:	Caffe Nero
Date:	07/04/09 (81 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The drinks are to die for, the atmosphere is fantastic

Disadvantages: Expensive!

Ahh Cafe Nero. There is just nothing like that feeling you get when you're trudging down the high street in the pouring rain, ladden down with shopping bags and trying to close a half-broken umbrella and then suddenly you spot a Cafe Nero in the distance. It's lights get brighter, it's interior warmer and the gorgeous smell wafts out as you get closer and closer. Then all of a sudden, you're sitting in the most comfortable chair, with your hot chocolate (topped with cream and belgium chocolate flakes of course), and a slice of cake. *Sigh*. Is there a better feeling in the world? I think not.

Cafe Nero was founded in 1997 and is now one of the largest independant coffee retailers in the UK. There is over 360 Cafe Nero stores all over the country which offer a large range of coffees and snacks.

My favourite on the menu is the hot chocolate, it's frothy, creamy, and smells and tastes like heaven. (I've not actually tasted heaven by the way, but I imagine it tastes like this). It takes the barista's about 2 minutes to whip it to perfection, and the whipped cream and chocolate flakes add the finishing touches. (These are optional).

The snacks Cafe Nero sell are just as lovely, from slices of carrot cake to gorgeous chocolate muffins and everything in between. Sure, the prices are pretty high (about £2.50 for a slice of cake) but once you taste it I highly doubt you'll be asking for a refund. (Plus I don't think they would take it back, what with there being a bite-sized hole and everything).

The Cafe Nero stores are all decked out in the same comforting brown interior, and feature comfy brown leather chairs or sofas around small tables. There is usually a newspaper rack where you can pick up a free daily newspaper, and also as much sugar etc as you need.

All the barista's I've been served by have been extreamly friendly and chatty, and always seem happy. (I live in Lincoln, not the most delightful place in the UK but the staff always have a friendly greeting and a smile on their face). They work quickly but efficiently and somehow manage to serve 3 or 4 people at the same time!

So..that's the plus side sorted. Now to the negative side. Luckily, I can only think of one negative aspect of Cafe Nero and that's the prices. They are above the average for coffee and the snack prices are in a league of their own! A regular sized hot chocolate is around £2.40, which isn't too bad but is a lot cheaper in other places. A slice of cake is around £2.50 and a panini goes for well over £3.50. However, although the prices are a lot higher than most, I do believe the comforting atmosphere makes up for it.

Also, as an incentive for loyalty, Cafe Nero gives you a free card on your first visit which has a total of 10 stars on it. Every drink you buy will earn you a stamp on a star, complete the 10 and you get a free drink off the menu of your choice. So you can choose the most expensive drink with all the trimmings and not pay a penny! Result!

Go on, try it for yourself!

Summary: The best coffee shop EVER