Mathew's reviews
Review of Starbucks
02 Aug 07, 19:14
This is not coffee (Part 1) 
I will refrain from reviewing every Starbucks in town because that would be both time wasting and pedantic. I feel I must however point finger at at least all 5 of them on or just off Upper Street (in the N1 area).
My main overall problem with Starbucks is not their homogenised awfulness, nor their ability to quash smaller independent coffee shops, nor the soporific effect they have on the imagination of their patrons, though all of these and more are good reasons to hold disdain.
No, the reason I really do quite hate these places is their awful bloody 'coffee'. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed a drink from a Starbucks and now refuse to give them any more tries (maybe I had a bad roast, maybe it's just a poor franchise, maybe the cup had anthrax in it).
Seriously, it's not good coffee. In fact I'd argue if they should even be allowed to call it coffee.
Yes. If they stop ruining the idea of what a coffee shop is and take to calling themselves brown-hot-sweet-drink shops then I'll back down.
Until then I protest and implore anyone that likes their pap to try Monmouth Coffee on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden (there's another one in Borough Market). That's coffee.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Arthurs Cafe
01 Aug 07, 18:42
Real Sandwiches 
I spent 2 years in the area before someone recommend Arthurs Cafe. Looking back I'm not sure how I used to managed.
Arthurs has been there for years, as indeed has Arthur, who still serves and keeps his patrons in check.
There are no frills or pomp and circumstance or trends or fad diet menus - just generously filled fresh classic sandwiches.
If ever I'm truly hungry and want value for money + taste then it's the only option.
Closed for August holidays though. They deserve a break.
0 out of 1 person found this review helpful.