When you need a quick pick me up in the middle of the afternoon a coffee chain is more than likely to be your first stop. While there are a lot of similarities between chains there are some key differences that can help you determine if you should turn right or left out of your office. Below we discussed some of the pros and cons of the most popular coffee chains in the UK.
Pret A Manger
Pret can most easily be described as good. They have consistently decent coffee, especially if you are not someone who picks up on the undertone and notes within the brew. Pret uses automatic espresso machines that are reliable but definitely not the best coffee producers. You won’t have any surprises with your cup but it also won’t be life changing, just good enough to get buy. A great deal they have is that for only 30 pounds a month subscribers can enjoy up to 5 hand drafted beverages per day. This includes hot and iced drinks such as coffee and tea as well as refreshers. Pret is one of the most abundant in store frequencies so it is easy to find one and get your drinks. The drinks themselves are relatively standard, however they do not charge extra for flavoring or alternative milk, which is super nice.
Cafe nero
This is definitely one of the most loved coffee chains sprinkled throughout the uk, and for good reason. Cafe nero makes good coffee with unique flavors and a constantly evolving menu that keeps customers coming back. They have their traditional coffee drinks but also fun alternatives like the cherry iced latte or velvet macchiato, if you want to try something different. They also pull their own shots of espresso and do an excellent job at it, leading to a smooth and creamy taste. Some consumers find that cafe nero is not consistent across all their locations so that is definitely something to consider.
Costa coffee
Costa coffee is definitely the most strong and flavorful of the list, so that is what you are looking for you should absolutely head to their nearest location. The specialty blend at costa is very popular and delicious. Costa also hand pulls every shot which provides a nice smooth sip that coffee lovers are sure to appreciate. They also have plenty of unique drinks such as whipped lattes, milkshakes, and refreshers that you can also grab if you are not in the mood for coffee, which is always nice to have as an option.
Gail’s
While Gail’s may be better known for their pastries and baked goods, their rather limited coffee menu is still quite worth checking out. They only have about 5 coffee drinks on the menu that can be done hot or iced. Unfortunately if you a fan of flavored coffee, they do not have any syrups or different blends to add to your coffee. Gail’s is definitely on the more expensive side with their drinks ranging from 4-6 pounds despite the lack of originality and flavor they possess. Despite this, the espresso is very good and pairs quite nicely with the wide array of pastries and food they offer.
Greggs
Greggs has their own blend of coffee beans that has earned them many loyal followers. They use two different types of beans that provide a really nice and sooth taste, especially notable for it being at such a good price. They do use a machine with pre set recipes for each coffee, providing a consistent cup but not much else. If you are looking for a solid breakfast or snack to go with your coffee, Greggs is perfect. Their sausage role is definitely a fan favorite that you should try!
Starbucks
Starbucks is probably the most popular chain in the states but much less so in the UK. They are usually at least 1-2 pounds more expensive than similar products at other chains, which often leads people away. While Starbucks does have a lot of coffee options, people commonly complain about the quality of said products. The most common complaint heard by Starbucks is that their coffee often tastes watery and burnt, which doesn’t sound too great. Perhaps if you are looking for a solid chain cup of coffee Starbucks is not the place, but if you are looking for an iced tea or refresher you may have better luck here.
While I will always recommend exploring local and independent coffee shops, it is also great to have a chain you know you can count on in a pinch for an excellent cup of coffee. Depending on what you are looking for and what you value, some of the most popular coffee chops in the UK might just get the job done.
