MailOnline reporters put the UK's top coffee chains to the test against the clock to find out which is really the fastest - and save you vital seconds on your morning coffee run.
After Starbucks' new chief executive Brian Niccol admitted the chain's customers are simply not being served fast enough, it raised the question: how long is too long to wait for a coffee?
Everyone's been there - running late for an important meeting, rushing to meet a friend or on the way to a job interview - yet still debating: is there time? Can I grab that flat white? Read More How long do you queue for your Starbucks? New coffee chain CEO admits customers wait too long As I walked in there was some nice jazz ambient music - a nice addition if you're in a queue waiting to order your coffee - fortunately for me, it wasn't my case.
But what was done was done and had it been the case that I didn't have my phone or wallet with me, I wouldn't have been able to get my warm drink.A spokesperson for Nero told MailOnline almost all its stores do accept cash, but this branch is an exception due to how busy it gets during rush hour.Pret understood the mission: get this coffee out as soon as possibleIt was time to put Pret a Manger to the test and see how they performed. The response time, I have to say, was solid.
Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Supermarkets' speediest self-scanners revealed: MailOnline finds out the best one to visit for a quick getaway Once that was over, I placed my order - again, no cash allowed - and stepped to what I assumed was the collection point. Then I waited. And waited. And waited.Instead, the poor worker who had taken my order also had to balance making all the coffees, dealing with delivery drivers and handing out food and drink to the customers before me.
Stumbling into the daylight five minutes later, I was eventually able to take a sip. Unfortunately, the 'coffee' did not redeem the service. I don't think I'll ever be back.Gail's staff were very eager to help but the baristas finished their natter before serving the coffee The staff were very eager to help, pouncing the moment I entered with a friendly greeting and a smile.
Much to my delight, there was no queue at the kiosk when I entered, so I went straight up to one and ordered my drink within a matter of seconds. Eventually, I did get handed my coffee in just over two minutes, but I’d expected a slightly quicker service after it appeared on the screen.Starbucks - 3 minutes and 10 seconds Starbucks was one of the few high street branches that did allow MailOnline to pay with cashI was hopeful when I’d entered this Starbucks as it was a pretty small and quiet store.
I did get my drink in hand in just over three minutes, but the other coffee shops seemed to have fared a lot better.Crussh - 2 minutes Reporter Chris Pollard found staff at Crussh somewhat confused by the presence of a physical customer Like many places, much of their business seems to come via Deliveroo and Uber Eats these days, so they seemed a little surprised to meet a customer in person.
Overall, it was a reasonably pleasant experience, and the shop had a delightfully fresh, fruity aroma, but for £3.60 I can’t help feeling that I should have been their top priority. Read More Coffee shops ban laptops to stop remote workers 'hogging' tables and not buying drinks When it arrived, my coffee was steaming hot and blow-your-head off strong. I know they give you two shots of espresso in an Americano, but in Costa it always tastes like three or four. Maybe it’s just their blend.There’s a reason Costa has survived for so long.
Jeanette LeCarpentier, 62, was on her way down to Margate for a lunch club and was first off her coach for her Costa coffee
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