Caffe Nero, Lower High Street

Published on: 17 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 18 Oct, 2013

Two shots are standard in Caffe Nero

When the editor suggested a meeting in Caffe Nero, I was confused. There are two in Guildford: a large, airy one in House of Fraser and a narrow pokey one towards the bottom of High Street. It was the latter.

Arriving towards the end of the lunchtime rush was dangerous as the tables can still be heaped with previous customers’ leftovers. This was not the case. And, despite the solo barista, there was no queue, either.

I chose a panini, not pictured, an Americano (decaf) and a hazelnut and filled chocolate muffin (it was a late lunch!). All fairly standard coffee shop fare. The assistant was friendly and helpful, although she forgot my panini but warmed another because it had burnt. Regular-size coffee is £2.05, 10p more than rival chain Costa. But Nero’s coffee is strong: two shots as standard.

The cafe is narrow, furnished with company standard dark wood tables and leather chairs. The front area has a tiled floor while the raised rear is wood. This is where the WCs are, so not convenient for wheelchair users. None of this helps make the place attractive to sit in. We’re not in the flagship store, by a long shot – the newer ones have reclaimed Bank of England flooring.

Wi-fi is available and one of the Dragons logged on, but another was put off by the registration procedure.

Dragon verdict: Nero’s is a chain so you know what you’re going to get. The coffee’s good, service friendly, better for a pit stop than a long lunch.

Website: www.caffenero.com

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