Most of you know that I’m a huge fan of Starbucks. They take care of their customers, their employees and really try to do the right thing with capitalism mixed in. It probably isn’t completely perfect, but they have great coffee, good bites and great service. I’ve made many friends at various Starbucks all over the United States, and frequented them in London because you know that you’re going to get good quality quickly.
Oh, but the Starbucks at Gloucester Road Tube Station just turns this on its head. Three women running the place basically wanted you to get your coffee and get out. I wanted to order some cookies for my daughter but she just moved on to the next customer. Everything was so abrupt, which was odd because it took forever to get my coffee.
When my wife took the empty half-and-half jar and put it on the counter, they just ignored it. Didn’t even look at it. When I put it closer to her she looked at me like I had landed a house on her sister.
We finally got the cream. No wonder the Espresso Bar next door was packed.
Redemption came a few days later at the Starbucks near Green Park Station. Ah. Just like home — a relaxing quick bite before the Trooping of the colors.