Lovely Coffee! No extra cost for fairtrade/soya! (Costa Coffee)

Member Name: cheersdarlin

Product:	Costa Coffee
Date:	06/06/09 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely coffee, great service :)

Disadvantages: Calorific if not careful!

After having seen so many people walking around with their coffee cups in the morning, I eventually braved the unknown world of italian fancy names and whiff of many aromas which make your head spin. How delightful!
I haven't stepped in anywhere else since!

**Costa Coffee - the company**

They say:

Costa coffee was first poured on our shores in 1971 at 9 Newport Street, London, by Sergio and Bruno Costa. Today, just a few metres away from where they first set up, the Costa Roastery produces the same unique Mocha Italia blend that the Costa brothers worked so hard to create.

The perfect combination.When you walk into a Costa store you'll notice it's different to other coffee shops. First of all, there's the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Then the great range of authentic coffee drinks. Next the Ferrari of coffee machines. And finally, the most passionate and well trained baristas around. It's this unique combination that makes us stand out from the others, and we're incredibly proud of it.

The most important ingredient in a cup of coffee.Hand-making a cup of coffee is an art. It takes time and skill to perfect. That's why every single barista, in every single Costa store is professionally trained in the art of coffee by our experts. It's a little thing, but it makes a big difference, because it means you'll get a perfect cup of Costa coffee every time.

Personal Opinon:

I agree with everything they say! The coffee is deicious and the service is very friendly, with great attitudes. Even at 8 in the morning, (I start work at 6:30, I sympathise!) they are smiley and welcoming! Very admirable!

**The Coffee Itself**

The coffee varies from shots, iced and the regular, expected coffees such as lattes, capuccinos etc.

The great thing I love about costa though, is you can get added shots of syrup such as ginger, vanilla, hazelnut to add to your drink for an extra 30p, which is great for those who like to try something new!

I also really like that they do not charge for soya milk, unlike starbucks. This makes their drinks suitable for vegans at no extra cost, which is always great. I am a vegetarian, but having been brought up on soya milk, I prefer it's taste and health benefits, so I appreciate the gesture that costa have made to make all feel welcome in their store.

**Other drinks**

They also do hot chocolate, which is divine. A soya milk hot chocolate is my faourite non-coffee hot drink.

As well as hot chocolate, Costa does cold, iced drinks which are refreshing and fruity, which are excellent for summer instead of an ice cream!

As well as their own drinks, in their cafes they sell bottles drinks such as coke/apple juice/orange juice etc.


All nutritional information (also provides a menu!) is available here:

http://www.costa.co.uk/pdf/drinks_nutrition.pdf

**Food**

Costa does food aswell, ranging from morning pastries, biscuits and cake, to sandwiches, crisps and paninis.

I haven't actually tried too many of them, but the ones I have tried (chocolate twist, chocolate cake and mozzarella, tomato and basil panini) were lovely, but I'm afraid to say, are a little devastating to a waistline! (not to mention, expensive!)

Nutritional information for food available can be found here:

http://www.costa.co.uk/pdf/food_nutrition.pdf

**Overall**

The coffee is lovely, and does give the impression of having been lovingly made, especially with no extra cost for soya milk or fairtrade coffee! It is reasonably priced, and is thoroughly reliable for great coffee.

Although watch for added extras if watching your waist, such as cream, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sticks and marshmallows!

I will keep returning to Costa due to wonderful service and enjoyable drinks! I would reccomend to anyone wanting a cup of great coffee on the run!

Summary: Will return again and again for this moreish coffee!