The Republic Of Coffee (Coffee Republic)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Coffee Republic
Date:	14/11/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely tasting drinks, meal deals/student discounts/loyalty card available, nice atmosphere

Disadvantages: Customer service not always the best perhaps

Coffee Republic is a British coffee bar chain that has been gradually growing since it's first outlet opened in London back in 1995. It's not one of the most popular coffee shops in my opinion, and as they're not quite as widespread as its competitors such as Starbucks they be found in every large town/city, but it's one of my top choices for a yummy hot chocolate & nice atmosphere.

It's founded by a couple, brother and sister I believe, who couldn't find anywhere in the UK able to replicate the same feel of New York coffee shops. Having been to America (though not New York) I see where they're coming from as American coffee shops has a distinct feel to them, and one that I really like. Plus, coffee shops on sitcoms like Friends always look so warm & welcoming, which is a much better image than Americans must get of the 'Café' in Eastenders' Albert Square!

There are about 51 bars (& 98 concessions) in the UK I believe, many (if not all) with free Wi-Fi. Coffee Republic also have a website, so you can find your nearest branch. They have a customer reward scheme via a card you can get stamped at the till, giving you a free drink after you've tallied up enough purchases. I always like these freebies for loyal customers, makes me much more inclined to use one branch over another than doesn't offer such a scheme. There are also meal deals, usually posted on a board outside, and student NUS discounts (10% I think) available.

... Products ...

Drinks, including : Cold drinks like smoothiest, a very large (and delicious sounding!) milkshakes, bottled water/juice/pop. Hot drinks such as coffees, teas and hot chocolates. Obviously, it's their coffee that Coffee Republic shout about, but there are plenty of other options available to suit both coffee lovers and haters.

Food, including : Chilled snacks & meals to take to the counter, warmed foods like wraps, muffins, shortbread, toasties, etc. There's a fair amount of choice for nibbles, as well as sandwiches, and can often be bought as part of a meal deal to save a few pennies. I would still avoid splashing out on toasties etc if I'm watching what I spend because £6 can easily be gone on a frothy coffee and toasty.

... The stores ...

Generally speaking, the stores seem to have a comforting feel to them. Although they're updated and fairly modern, they also retain a classic appeal, such as the dark interior. I think this adds to that New York ambiance the founders were hoping to recreate.

... Customer Service ...

Though there can be some long queues in here if you pick a busy time such as around lunch, the tills are quite fast. Staff seem to be friendly, helpful and efficient on the whole, so I don't really have anything to complain about per se. I did notice once I was over charged, and asked her why it had cost more than it said on the board for my drinks, and she had keyed in the wrong one and I ended up with coffee by mistake, but it was quickly rectified without any problems.

... My experience ...

I've not really had any negative experiences in Coffee Republic, even when the dishwasher broke down and we were all given paper cups instead of proper mugs because at least the staff were friendly and polite about it.

The general atmosphere is usually quite nice. The nearest one to me, which is about 40 mins away, is a relatively good size with some upstairs seating, and plenty of tables & chairs downstairs. It can get quite busy, but more often than not there's somewhere to sit and relax whilst you enjoy your cuppa.

I like the stand away from the serving counter where you can get your bits & pieces, such as sugar or napkins. They usually have powdered products too, like chocolate which you can sprinkle on top of your drinks. It's only a small detail, but it means you can help yourself rather than having to go back and wait for extra things you may need but weren't given.

I mainly stick to hot chocolate from here, so I can't really comment too much on a variety of the menu. From the little I have had, I can say I've thought it's all been of good quality and tasty, though overpriced. That said, I find all coffee shops to be overpriced and wonder how some people manage to visit them more than once a fortnight.

Individual branches will vary, but generally speaking I think I would choose Coffee Republic over Starbucks if I don't want to spend a fortune and want some space to relax and enjoy a drink.

I would recommend Coffee Republic, even though having had a quick glance at previous ratings, I may be on my own in thinking that. I like the atmosphere overall, and love the hot chocolate as it's very, very yummy! I also like the stamped reward card, student discount, meal deals etc available, as it makes the branch appear more customer-oriented.

Definitely worth a try next time you're out and about and want a drink, a rest, some food or a chat with friends :o)

Summary: A top choice of mine for a delicious hot chocolate