Starbucks...

paulamathers · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject: Starbucks...

At the Tesco store close to my work, they have closed down the Tesco Cafe and opened a Starbucks. I wasn't too impressed - Tesco cafe charges 65p for a coffee, Starbucks charges £1.60 for a small coffee!! It was a good place to escape to at lunch times, somewhere cheap and away from the office.

Any way, after my couple of months of boycotting this Starbucks (on principle - why should I pay £1.60 for a coffee when the previous cafe sold them for 65p???!!), I decided to pay a visit. I ordered a Grande Americano, and paid my £1.89. I sat at the tiny table - big enough for me, my coffee and my book, and started to relax. I stirred my coffee with the stirrer, and noticed a lump in my cup. Upon investigating this, i realised that there was a part of the mug which was just like a giant lump inside the cup! Not only was I being charged over the odds for my drink, but they were also ripping me off with the amount of coffee I was actually receiving!!!!!!!!!!!

This really annoyed me, because the "lump" isn't visable from the outside of the mug, and you dont realise you're being "short changed" until you go to stir your drink. Also, if i wanted soya milk rather than dairy (say for example I was lactose intolerant), I would be charged an extra 35p! These people are profiting from people's deficeits!

I am now going to continue my boycott of Starbucks because i am outraged at these things! Tiny tables mean they can cram more people in, over charging on the drinks is one thing, but profiting from peoples allergies is seriously out of order. And not to mention making you think you are getting more coffee than you actually are! It shouldn't be allowed!!!

Kate · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:40 am Post subject:

I don't go to starbucks so am not familiar with their serving containers, but that's a weight and measures violation here and a big fine would ensue. If it had been me, I would have walked to the counter and loudly complained that my coffee was a ripoff.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 381 Location: Italy

Paula,
The second time I went to the US, I had a layover of 2 hours in NY.
After the horrible coffee I got on the plane, I really wanted a good espresso.
Of course there is a Starbucks in the airport, so I went there and asked for a plain espresso. After being insanely charged for that, I got a sip, and spit it out. I told the manager that having an espresso machine and some coffee, doesn't mean you can make an espresso and they should really take classes about coffee.
Since then, I renamed Starbucks , StarSucks.
I'm sorry for you.
_________________
In vino veritas!

paulamathers · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject:

they shouldn't be allowed to sell coffee if they know nothing about it! The shop smells nice, but thats about it.

Kate · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:29 am Post subject:

I agree Paula. They hire young kids and give them a crash course then turn them loose.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 381 Location: Italy

Ha Ha! !I just found a job when I move in the US
I will just go in front of the StarSucks shop with my Gaggia machine and imported italian coffee.
Espresso 70c, Cappuccino 90c, just like it is here in Italy.
Let them close in less than a week LOL!
Maybe I'll give away American coffee for free! It's so crap it doesn't worth a penny LOL
_________________
In vino veritas!

paulamathers · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 9:39 pm Post subject:

It can't be as bad as some places over here!

Kate · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:05 am Post subject:

Honey I like my American coffee. It is great when brewed properly with very fresh coffee.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 381 Location: Italy

Second time I flew in the US the stewardess asked me what I would like to drink: I asked for a coffee. When I got my cup, I gently reminded to her I asked coffee and not tea, because what I was seeing in my cup was pale brownish color.
We use 7 grams of coffee for one tiny espresso cup: I suppose they use same amount for a gallon!
_________________
In vino veritas!

paulamathers · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 9:16 pm Post subject:

I wrote a letter of complain to Starbucks UK Head Office in London about the hidden "lump" in the mugs, i'll let you know what they reply Smile

There's a cafe in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, I can't remember the name. I asked for a coffee there, and they gave me coffee powder mixed with hot milk - no water at all! It was awful, so tasteless. All I could taste was funny tasting milk, no coffee at all. YUK!