Best and worst coffee shops/chains etc

[Leyland Bus]

Seeing as there has been so much chatter on the companies disappearing thread over coffee, I thought to start a new thread for just that...

Admittedly, I'm quite shocked at how many people seem to rate McDonalds coffee. Why? Price? Taste? Personally i've never really rated it, I only ever get one when ordering a breakfast meal as I don't often want orange juice or tea... Not bad, not good, just meh...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 May 2026 ==

Blacksheep is my go too for decaff that actually tastes like coffee. But back when I was drinking caffeine, the McDonald's coffee was my baseline, anywhere that wasn't significantly better wasn't worth the extra expence/effort

 

[bspahh]

My favourite coffee shop and cafe is La Caféothèque in Paris.

 

[BuhSnarf]

Seeing as there has been so much chatter on the companies disappearing thread over coffee, I thought to start a new thread for just that...

Admittedly, I'm quite shocked at how many people seem to rate McDonalds coffee. Why? Price? Taste? Personally i've never really rated it, I only ever get one when ordering a breakfast meal as I don't often want orange juice or tea... Not bad, not good, just meh...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 May 2026 ==

McDonalds isn't amazing, but it's certainly drinkable at least compared to what it was maybe about 10 years ago.

For the price it's not a bad shout when out and about. I rate it above Greggs or Wethers, but clearly below most speciality coffee stores.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I’ll say what I said in the other thread.

At least Costa use a coffee grinder and a proper espresso machine. Unlike Starbucks who use bean-to-cup machines, only frothing the milk manually. And, without syrups, Starbucks' espresso is vile, although their filter is pretty good.

Maybe I'm getting old, but I don't mind the fact Costa has a more sedate branding than some of the other coffee chains. I don't want a matcha and I don't want it 'enhanced' with a bright purple tuber or some protein foam, I just want a cup of coffee. I don't massively get the fuss about Black Sheep Coffee either, which just seems to be a quid more expensive than everywhere else but with nothing tangible to show for it.

Of the national chains, Caffe Nero is still the best IMO, but outside of city centres you don't see so many of them.

When I'm in London I still always make a beeline for F*ckoffee, especially the one on Goswell Road in Clerkenwell. Subtle humour, yes (and the swear filter won't let me link to their website!) but very very good coffee. And good music. And squashy sofas.

McDonald’s coffee isn’t terrible, and at £1.30 or whatever that’s quite good enough.

 

[Broucek]

For very, very good artisan coffee: Hermanos (Colombian) is a great small chain (I'm in London, I don't know if they oprate elsewhere)

For a cheap, drinkable caffeine hit: Greggs or McDonalds

For decent quality mass-market: Nero

For nasty coffee that needs a gallon of oatmilk, cream or syrup to take the taste away: Starbucks

 

[Leyland Bus]

Oddly, for me, one of the best coffee shops in Manchester is a car dealership...

Okay, its not a full blown car sales place but Seats upmarket/sporty subsiduary "Cupra" have a coffee shop come car place just off St Annes Square and the coffee is sublime! Locally made pastries are sold aswell and its really nice! About same as Starbucks pricewise. Its an odd thing but really good!

Google Search

 

[Uncle Buck]

For very, very good artisan coffee: Hermanos (Colombian) is a great small chain (I'm in London, I don't know if they oprate elsewhere)

For a cheap, drinkable caffeine hit: Greggs or McDonalds

For decent quality mass-market: Nero

For nasty coffee that needs a gallon of oatmilk, cream or syrup to take the taste away: Starbucks

Not familiar with the London chain you reference but otherwise strongly agree with all. Marks and Spencer’s does a decent one too. Starbucks is diabolical.

 

[pdq]

I don't drink coffee at all but like a decent cup of 'normal' full bodied tea. It's surprising how many chains and even independents are unable to fulfil this, given the supposed effort they go to for coffee. Various gripes - poor quality tea, water not hot enough to brew properly, unfiltered hard water, putting the milk in immediately. For me, the best for taste is Starbucks followed by Greggs. Any other tea drinkers care to offer opinions?

 

[StoneRoad]

Absolutely hate the tar that costa purvey as coffee.

I tend to have to go for one-shot latte as that's just about drinkable in most establishments. [I never drink tea]

 

[The Pelican]

The best coffee chain in the world is Melbourne's Hudson's Coffee, home to a white chocolate hot chocolate and an occasional Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, a sandwich version of the battered chicken, tomato sauce and mozerella dish.

 

[Brightonboy]

I, generally speaking, prefer tea to coffee but reckon that a poor quality coffee still tastes better than a poor quality tea - hence when I am out and about I will frequently get a coffee over a tea. The exception is that I find Costa's tea (when made in a pot with a proper cup & saucer) better than Starbucks or other fast food brands who are all too ready to just chuck a bag of tea dust into a paper cup..... So there are times when I will buy tea in Costa and be reasonably happy. The only Starbucks I frequent with any regularity is at South Mimms A1/M25 junction and that is only because it is conveniently placed for a break of journey on most of my longer distance drives, but there I will only ever buy coffee.

 

[Bald Rick]

For very, very good artisan coffee: Hermanos (Colombian) is a great small chain (I'm in London, I don't know if they oprate elsewhere)

For decent quality mass-market: Nero

Agree x2. There’s a Hermanos in the station at Kings Cross, and another just across the bus station from the main entrance at Victoria.

Also special mention to GRIND, at a handful of London locations (2 at Waterloo) and Manchester. They do a great Flat White. Superb service.

 

[Leyland Bus]

Agree x2. There’s a Hermanos in the station at Kings Cross, and another just across the bus station from the main entrance at Victoria.

Also special mention to GRIND, at a handful of London locations (2 at Waterloo) and Manchester. They do a great Flat White. Superb service.

I'll second Grind (Manchester atleast) great food too!

 

[Nym]

I don't drink coffee at all but like a decent cup of 'normal' full bodied tea. It's surprising how many chains and even independents are unable to fulfil this, given the supposed effort they go to for coffee. Various gripes - poor quality tea, water not hot enough to brew properly, unfiltered hard water, putting the milk in immediately. For me, the best for taste is Starbucks followed by Greggs. Any other tea drinkers care to offer opinions?

A large contributor to this is the use of the steam boiler on the espresso machine to provide the hot water for the tea. Starbucks has a low volume water boiler attached to their drip machine.

In terms of good, struggling to find anywhere better than Proofrock. But they’re extremely not local and nowerdays I just make my own at home.

 

[johntea]

I know the thought of working from one of these coffee shops was mentioned but I found in Manchester the other week a co working space right opposite St Peter's Square which was £3 1hr/£7 4hr/£12 8hr which was brilliant, basically you just booked a desk and were left on your own all day (they were even kind enough to provide an adapter so I could connect my laptop up to the monitor at the desk!)

They had a decent coffee machine plus a few snacks and the rules were basically just 'help yourself'

 

[themeone]

Surely the worst coffee chain has got to be Gail's, if only for the rip-off prices.

Starbucks - will use if there's literally nowhere else, according to Which their coffee is the weakest in terms of caffeine.

Costa - nice tea, not such a fan of their coffee. Free babychino's which is nice if you have kids with you. Food offering and service vary wildly between branches. Some good occasional offers on Costa Club e.g. 25% off food etc.

Coffee #1 - great cakes selection, nice vibe, owned by Caffe Nero but their coffee isn't so nice.

Nero - great coffee and usually great service. Interiors can look a bit tired and/or dirty. Most generous loyalty scheme - you only need 9 stamps for a free coffee.

Pret - probably my overall favourite, particularly branches that do the super cheap filter coffee. Amazingly fast and efficient service. Nice clean interiors.

An honorary mention for Waitrose free coffee, which is very nice and is from Caffe Nero branded machines. Also Cafe Pausa (Dunelm) and M&S Cafe both seem fine, but have only been a handful of times.

I find independents very much a lucky dip and often expensive, so will usually only try them on recommendation of someone who knows what I like. What puts me off most of them is the barebones interiors (cafeteria chic?) which often have all the allure of a dentist's waiting room.

 

[eyebrook1961]

I, generally speaking, prefer tea to coffee but reckon that a poor quality coffee still tastes better than a poor quality tea - hence when I am out and about I will frequently get a coffee over a tea. The exception is that I find Costa's tea (when made in a pot with a proper cup & saucer) better than Starbucks or other fast food brands who are all too ready to just chuck a bag of tea dust into a paper cup..... So there are times when I will buy tea in Costa and be reasonably happy. The only Starbucks I frequent with any regularity is at South Mimms A1/M25 junction and that is only because it is conveniently placed for a break of journey on most of my longer distance drives, but there I will only ever buy coffee.

I also much prefer tea (a decent strong cuppa - and at work with the teabag left in. . . . I know, heathen .. !) and very, very rarely do I try a coffee. My wife and daughter on the other hand are definitely coffee fiends. We are in Leicestershire (Loughborough) and have used an independent called "DASH" up the top end of town next to the former Wetherspoons. It is only tiny but the guy who owns / runs it has really put so much effort into creating a nice atmosphere and has spent quite a lot on doing out the back area with tables, chairs and large unbrellas into a very pleasant place to sit outside and pass a while. He has a decent selection of cakes, cookies, croissants and has a small selection of paninis etc.
We both believe that it is the likes of this sort of place that we should be supporting as opposed to the chains (we have quite a few in the town) - the quality is certainly there (my other half wouldn't want to keep going if it wasn't . . . !)

 

[PeterC]

I am not much of a coffee drinker but agree about the "vibe" in Coffee#1.

 

[D6130]

I find independents very much a lucky dip and often expensive, so will usually only try them on recommendation of someone who knows what I like. What puts me off most of them is the barebones interiors (cafeteria chic?) which often have all the allure of a dentist's waiting room.

If you're ever in Hebden Bridge, try the Hermit coffee shop in Hope Street, next to the library. The Liverpudlian lady who owns it is super-nice, as are her well-trained staff, and the coffee is excellent....including the biggest cappuccino that I've ever seen or tasted. As you would expect in Hebden Bridge, the decor is eclectic and artistic, the vibe relaxed and laid-back, the WiFi is excellent and the low-volume background music well-chosen (IMHO). She's open Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. However don't go if you're either on a diet (divine cakes!) or allergic to spider plants (see how many you can count!).

Full disclosure: I'm not a shareholder....but the owner is a very good friend of ours. Advert over!

 

[Forty29]

I've had flat whites in garden centres never had a bad one yet. Went with a friend to Starbucks who thinks has the best coffee in the world. Had a long wait, arrived cold and tasted gross. Won't be going back.

 

[Russel]

Roslyn and WatchHouse, are my go to when in London, really good quality from small, independent chains.

Outside of London, Greggs or Pret tend to be my go to.

Absolutely hate the tar that costa purvey as coffee.

Agreed, I have no idea how Costa have become so popular.

 

[themeone]

Roslyn and WatchHouse, are my go to when in London, really good quality from small, independent chains.

Outside of London, Greggs or Pret tend to be my go to.



Agreed, I have no idea how Costa have become so popular.

I'm not sure Costa is really popular, it's just ubiquitous. They expanded really aggressively and there are few places where you can't find one now, even if it's only a Costa machine. In fact in quite a few places Costa is the only coffee chain you'll find. Their coffee is certainly not the nicest!

 

[styles]

I'm far from a coffee snob, but I just can't stand Costa Coffee.

For coffee chains, Caffe Nero is my go-to, or Black Sheep.

I can see why Greggs and McDonalds are popular given their price point and how many outlets they have.

I'm rarely one to add extra to my coffees though. In winter I will sometimes pick up some sort of winter latte, at which point the likes of Starbucks and Costa are more palatable.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm far from a coffee snob, but I just can't stand Costa Coffee.

I don't have an issue with them. A particular benefit is that they carry whole milk. A flat white in particular should ALWAYS be made with whole milk.

Starbucks on the other hand - burnt coffee, dirty shops, high prices, just bean to cup machines so no skill - just rubbish. I actively avoid them now.

For coffee chains, Caffe Nero is my go-to, or Black Sheep.

I can see why Greggs and McDonalds are popular given their price point and how many outlets they have.

Both Greggs and McD coffee is better than Starbucks and loads cheaper. McD in particular are obsessive about cleanliness, and it's poorly cleaned machines that sometimes make bean to cup machine coffee a bit ick. And McD seem to have gone back to plastic lids which is good, the paper ones were useless, though some seem to still have them, particularly in Wales.

I'm OK with either of the ones you mention though.

Also a mention for Pret, who near enough always* have filter available at a very reasonable price. Filter is my favourite preparation anyway, much nicer taste (smoother) than Americano.

Tim Hortons also do filter to be fair to them, though it is a bit pricey.

* Except the one at MKC for some reason I've never understood. It's the only Pret I have ever encountered that doesn't do filter at all - it doesn't even have the machine.

 

[styles]

Also a mention for Pret, who near enough always* have filter available at a very reasonable price. Filter is my favourite preparation anyway, much nicer taste (smoother) than Americano.

Tim Hortons also do filter to be fair to them, though it is a bit pricey.

* Except the one at MKC for some reason I've never understood. It's the only Pret I have ever encountered that doesn't do filter at all - it doesn't even have the machine.

Yes I'm a fan of filter as well. Also has the advantage of being quicker if I'm getting it to-go. Starbucks do a good filter, not sure if Costa carry one.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes I'm a fan of filter as well. Also has the advantage of being quicker if I'm getting it to-go. Starbucks do a good filter, not sure if Costa carry one.

Starbucks I find very often don't have filter ready. And while they used to give you an Americano for the same price if it was off (and Pret still do), this has now got rather patchy, some franchisees most notably EuroGarages ones won't and insist on the upcharge, and I think the one at New St does too.

 

[Lampshade]

I'm far from a coffee snob, but I just can't stand Costa Coffee.

The fact that it's owned by Coca Cola is enough for me to avoid the place.

 

[styles]

The fact that it's owned by Coca Cola is enough for me to avoid the place.

On the contrary, Coca-Cola are one of the last few bastions of actually tasty fizzy drinks, having not resigned themselves to changing their recipe to avoid the sugar tax. Coca-Cola, 1901 Irn-Bru, and Todd's Drinks Original Energy are about the only ones worth drinking now. Apparently Ice drinks make decent tasting alternatives but I haven't seen them stocked anywhere.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The fact that it's owned by Coca Cola is enough for me to avoid the place.

I don't have a problem with Coca Cola. They're a big corporation, but unlike others I don't see a huge amount unethical in how they operate.

It's also a nice drink.

They are looking to sell it though. They were after it for the prepared canned drinks bit, not the shops, and the shops haven't really worked for their business model.

 

[Hbbz9392]

For decent quality mass-market: Nero

i never tried it out at england but the caffe nero here fits your description really well. in my country it and juan valdez are probably the best mass coffee chains (although juan valdez's quite small compared to nero.) i really like nero's cold brew. they're the only chain which does nitrogen cold brew here and their prices are decent. their desserts are nice as well though they removed their cinnamon cheesecake and never brought it back