Starbucks Coffee

I visited mid morning during the midweek. Plenty of available parking spaces at both front / reach of building. Friendly, helpful staff who were welcoming. Large rooms at either side of the counter, providing a selection of seating / table options (inc power sockets to charge electronic devices). Quick service and drinks well prepared. Clean and tidy room, table & toilets.

Thought I’d treat myself and my partner to a Starbucks this morning, particularly a PSL. Was told by a very grumpy barista that PSL was no longer on the menu and they only do Xmas items now. Baffling seeing as it’s only just turned November. Anyway, we firstly ordered a pastry and whilst clearly looking at the menu said grumpy barista asked if we wanted anything else. Well yes I replied we’re just choosing. He proceeded to humph and neither offer a smile nor a hint of one. We ordered our drinks and sat down. Sunday morning in a coffee shop you expect nice calming music, happy staff and a relaxing atmosphere. Not only was this totally not the case as the music was loud and screechy but the staff were also incredibly loud and obnoxious when walking around us. We left completely unsatisfied and incredibly on edge from the atmosphere. This used to be a nice Starbucks to go to (pre-war on Gaza) but now it seems to be a place to go to when you need to feel completely on edge and disrespected by the staff.

Went in on Tuesday afternoon around 2pm and tried to use my Starbucks birthday reward coupon. I first ordered my drink from the Barista (a large iced mocha) and then asked him how I use the Birthday Reward Coupon. He glanced at my app and said that it could only be used on drinks like americanos and couldn’t be used for the drink I had just ordered. His manner and tone was very off, and I didn’t want to argue as it was my birthday. Afterwards I researched Starbucks Rewards T&C’s and it clearly states the birthday reward coupon entitles the customer to a free handcrafted beverage of your choice. The quality of the drink I was served was lacking in the usual flavour and also had little ice. Apart from the poor service received, the actual store is lovely inside, original historic features in what was claimed to be the most haunted public house in Sheffield. Finding the entrance to the store carpark was a little confusing from the main roads.

Lovely building, atmosphere, food and drink. It was a busy time for them due to Gladiators being on but they coped very well with the pressure. Nice little book shelf too. Pleasant experience.

The food and coffee is of course to usual Starbucks standard. The service was great, the staff on duty seemed to genuinely enjoy their work and were very helpful and polite. The atmosphere is unlike any Starbucks I have been to. Clearly it was originally a pub or something similar, its decked out in hardwood floors and walls with a suit of armour on display.