With their slicker-than-slick marketing campaigns, matching equally slick interiors it is all too easy to walk past the independent coffee shops in favour of the Costa Neros of the world (or should that be Costa Small Fortune?). The coffee chains offer much to tempt the easily-persuaded consumer that walking into one of their stores will give them the feeling that they're walking on to a set from Friends.
However, the next time you see an independent outlet give them a go. I was on Kennington Road in London recently waiting for a meeting. I was looking for somewhere to wait and spotted and independent patisserie. I initially hesitated before going in because the one thing that chains offer is consistency and it is this safety in knowing what you'll get that people are so tempted to go back time and time again.
I went in and ordered coffee and a pain au chocolat. I was asked for £1.25 and thought that they had forgotten to add something to my bill. The pastry was fresh out of the oven and still warm and the coffee wasn't bad (although it wasn't as good as it could have been). It wasn't anything like as organised or as beautifully designed as the chains, but then I hadn't had to pay for the branding, marketing and design in the inflated prices they charge.
Chains and independents should live side-by-side, but as the chains take an increasing share of the market the indie sector is bound to be squeezed and that would be a shame.
The next time you have a choice between a multiple coffee bar operator and an independent give the little guy a go.
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