A busy thread running amongst my Facebook virtual friends this evening on the topic of " Why can't you order a normal coffee in Starbucks". I can answer that simply (and have already on Facebook).

It's a badly run boutique coffee shop; too much on the shelves, too much to choose from, too gimmicky. Result: everyone confused.

Costa, on the other hand, remains the true home of sensible coffee. Comfortably the best chain for good old fashioned coffee. And their loyalty card ain't too bad either. Am I sounding like a corporate shill now?