I might not have been lucky with my experiences with independent coffee shops or smaller chains at national rail stations, but for the ones I have been to, the coffees have ended up tasting rather bitter. Though I would like to support independent businesses, the reality is that a larger chain coffee shop is consistent, and has a rewards system, and in the case of Mcdonalds and Cafe Nero, they are open late at London terminals. The latter is good for hot chocolates if you are in London Victoria at night.
The only time I support nonchain coffee shops these days is if I am at a heritage railway, especially if it's just spotting on the line.
If independent coffee shops offered the following, it might convince more people to use them.
- Sustainability: If independent coffee shops start to become more self-service style cafes where the till is still manned for cakes and toasted sandwiches, and the coffee is from a self-service machine. The incentive is that you can get a small discount on your coffee or hot chocolate for a reusable cup, unlike at a Costa Express one.
As well as reduced plastic consumption, it can also help with improving bins onboard trains as they won't be blocked up as quickly if people weren't using as many disposable cups.
Train operators around the country have a band of presentation staff who battle to keep train carriages clean for rail passengers.
www.railadvent.co.uk
- Price: I appreciate some coffees are more expensive to make, but if they were able to sell tea at no more than £1.50 and hot water for 50p so you can bring your own instant coffee sachet, these coffee shops could be considered better value for money.
