Hi there again people!
Here it is, me again writing in the middle of a busy day of February in the library.
Just got an idea about something to write recently. What is it? Coffee shop.
Yeap, let's talk about comparing coffee shops in the UK.
In Strategy's lecture 2 weeks ago, my lecturer took an example of the competitive coffee shop market in he UK and how they're being positioned in the eye of customers across the UK.
There are 4 different brands I have in Lancaster: Starbucks, Costa, Caffe Nero, and Esquire. Have been to all of them. And very often visited 1/2 of them regularly. Now, let's start!
1. Starbucks
Obviously an American type of shop and coffee. The position of Starbucks is not that 'big' in the UK actually. In fact millions of British ppl are hating it (you can see it from the hatred comments at their official facebook page) because of the 'tax evasion incident' and what they so called Starbucks is a place for smoothies not coffee.
Ok, for me as an Indonesian who is growing up along with Starbucks. I just couldn't be separated from Starbucks that easily. Maybe I'm just being too attached to it. I am still liking the ambience of the store, the facilities they provide, the image they have and the drinks they made. Even until here.
I know their coffee is not that great. Some of their baristas are really sucks. But I like their seasonal drinks like 'Pumpkin Spice Latte' in autumn, etc. Again, what makes me always ended up buy smthg in Starbucks is mostly the ambience, the privacy from the second floor of the store, and the service they offered. Again, maybe I'm just being overly attached to it. lol.
2. Esquire
A not so big brand, but I like Esquire Coffee Shop. The coffee is great. The service is so-so, met a very friendly staff for twice. But I like the overall ambience and place of the coffee shop. It's spacious, with wood decoration and very comfortable. As I observed a lot of middle aged people prefer to have a reading in here. Maybe because of the comfortable ambience as how I experienced previously. And don't forget the blueberry cheese cake muffin! The best muffin I have ever had in life. Tried the chocolate fudge cake as well and it is sooo delish!
3. Caffe Nero
My second favorite to visit. Great coffee, fast straight-forward service. I like the ambience as well. The wood tables and sofas. Simply comfortable.
4. Costa
Claimed as #1 favorite coffee shops in Great Britain. Costa is very British-ish. Most local ppl from wide range of age love it here. Apart from me, since in my experience, I rarely come to here during my almost 3 years stay in the UK.
Why? Cause as I see the shop is always full, packed of people. Secondly, the service. I don't know either is it just me being unlucky, me being too picky and over sensitive, or their service is always like that from time to time. I had my first hot chocolate in the UK at Costa 2 years ago. And because of the service, I never come back for 1 and a half years. Recently, I became a sudden regular to Costa at campus since it is the closest coffee stall I could get in the middle of 4 hours lecture every Wednesday. Their hot chocolate is great. The mocha is great. The capuccino and latte is great. Conclusion: their drinks are great. I'm highly recommending it. But for service and place's ambience? For me, I would hardly come back to have a seat at Costa. I'll definitely come back for a take out but may not for a stay.
Overall, all coffee shops are unique- each have different selling points. Different way of serving and service. Different coffee. Similar price. Different ambience, different kind of 'feeling' to be offered. For ambience I believe everyone have their own preferences, I cannot judge. But for me, I like Starbucks as a quiet escape from the rain to have a sit and read a book. I like Costa's coffee and chocolate. I love Cafe Nero's caramellate and White Choc Mocca. And I love Esquire's blueberry cheese cake muffin and to study in there. So yeah, make your own choice. If your favorite is Costa. You have successfully become a more British-ish then, hahaha
A little bit off the topic but yeah, a little update about my recent life. 3 words:
Busy. As. Hell.
Lent Term of 2nd year has awesomely turn me into a very busy person, much more than I have ever imagined. From one meeting to another meeting. From one revision to another revision. Plus I need to catch up for and maintain my scores. I need to take responsibility of a society. I need to take care of my own life and basic needs. I have to study. I have to socialize. I need to play. I have to listen to my family. I need to make an arrangement of my future holiday trip. I have to arrange my pocket money. I have to keep fit in the middle of oh so cold Lancaster. So yeah, here is my life! Wake up, basic needs, library, classes, meeting, library, society activities, a little bit of playing, then comes another day, another week, another month.
Time flies. It's week 5 alr. Deadlines and tests are coming. I have a responsibility as the president of indonesian society while at the same time I have so many lovely people around me needs to be time spent with.
I'm feeling so fragile at some moments. But I always try my best to stay strong. To keep standing straight on my own feet and to keep trying to be a better person in the future. Let's keep positive. Sounds cliche but I always try to look for what other ppl are lacking of compare to me nowadays. Not for me to be arrogant and proud of with, but for now, it is fully to make me realise how been blessed I am as a person. It was like an alarm to my soul saying: no matter how hard is your situation right now. Everyone else have their own difficulties and problems as well at these precise moment.
Be positive and keep being grateful folks! Have a great day!
