‘Starbucks Coffee’, White Lyon Walk

Published on: 14 Feb, 2012
Updated on: 13 Mar, 2012

Starbucks, White Lion Walk, Guildford

Starbucks is one of the big coffee shop chains found in just about every town and city in the UK. It’s actually a global brand, with its beginnings in Seattle, USA, in 1971, and now has 15,000 stores in 50 countries. So is the fare on offer in Guildford up to scratch?

Starbucks coffee shop in White Lion Walk, Guildford.

We ordered a cappuccino and an Americano, plus a cinnamon whirl and a slice of shortbread. Taking into account that the shop was fairly busy, our order was taken swiftly by the pleasant members of staff and was ready pretty quickly too.

The coffee was served in chunky mugs and although the cappuccino was fine, the Americano was not right at all! It had a strange and unpleasant aroma and taste. So, we returned it and, with no quibbling by the staff, it was replaced with an Espresso which was better but not great.

The large slice of shortbread with chocolate chips tasted good and was therefore good value for money. The cinnamon whirl on the other hand was a bit doughy.

This is one of three Starbucks in Guildford – another is in Market Street, with a further shop in the Upper High Street. The White Lion Walk branch was busy and lively. The interior is standard to the Starbucks theme, but due to the high volume of customers it must attract, it will be in need of refurbishment sooner rather than later. But it was clean and there is in fact a lot of seating in what appears to be a small coffee shop.

There are no table menus, all drinks are advertised on a board where your make your order. And although there is free wifi, that was easy to hook up to, it is not that well advertised.

A wide range of foods and snacks are offered: from pastries and sandwiches, cakes and cookies, to hot paninis, fruit and breakfast cereals.

Subject	Comments	Score
*Starbucks, 13-14 White Lion Walk, Guildford*
Coffee	Average overall as cappuccino was okay and Americano poor. Not unduly expensive though.	2.5
Cakes	Fresh. Generous sizes. Value for money.	3.5
Menu range	Very wide range from breakfast fare, lunch, and all-day snacks.	4
Interior	Standard Starbucks interior – not as smart as some competitors.	2.5
Atmosphere	Busy and lively. Popular spot with street and shopping mall views.	4
Access	Some steps by one door, other entrance on the level.	3
Service	Pleasant and polite. Efficient when it came to replacing Americano with an Expresso.	4
Information	No table menus, wifi instructions poor.	2.5
Value for money	Order pictured below was £7.80.	2.5
Toilets	Clean with one unisex loo and one having disable access and baby changing facilities.	3
Opening hours	Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Address	13-14 White Lion Walk, Guildford GU1 3DN. Tel: 01483 300633