Starbucks

A Starbucks that’s always packed. Well, which isn’t, anyway?
Well, this one is particularly filled with people who constantly staying for remote working or studying. I don’t even think I’ve seen this Starbucks half empty, let alone getting seated and enjoying the coffee at the shop. Coffee is not that enjoyable as a matter of fact, as there are tons of other options around Soho for good coffee.
So why Starbucks? Surprisingly, it’s for the food. It’s expensive everywhere in Soho, and generally lack of grab-​and-​go food. At least not the healthy ones. Ever since the local store 合記士多 shut down (it was very sad, by the way), I don’t even know where can I get a semi-​decent fruit platter at a reasonable price. Ah well, Starbucks serves me well. Same goes for sandwiches and all. Enlighten me if there’s anywhere serves good sandwiches after Café O is gone, and I’ll switch in a blink.
Really wish there’s a Pret a Manger instead of McDonald’s on Caine Road, but I guess Starbucks is not the worst alternative you may have.

I find myself writing about Starbucks again, against my better judgement, as I am trying to champion the local business man. However, I thought I would make special mention of the branch on Caine Road.
The first thing I notice about this venue is that it is much quieter than the usual city centre branches. Yes, there is a lot of throughput, and the till seems to be ringing all day long, but not many folks seem to stay. Perhaps Caine Road more of a thoroughfare rather than a destination? This means that there is always somewhere to sit and read the paper, or write reviews!
The second thing I notice is the friendliness of the staff. There are only three at any given time, but despite the high volume of traffic, they seem to keep the flow moving along quickly and efficiently. Of particular note is May, a barista/​cashier/​possibly manager. She is so ebullient every morning, as though she has definitely got out of the right side of bed. She remembers everyone’s name, greeting regular guests by name. She is even pleasant to the gruff delivery men who scuff up her floors with coffee and food deliveries.
As a venue to work or play, it is lacking wi-​fi. You can get the Y-​Zone 20 mins wi-​fi, but that’s nearly useless to anyone who actually has to do anything. Make sure you can tether your phone if you come here. However, there is a little secret gem at this branch, and that is the «secret room» on the lower floor. The main entrance is on Caine Road, but there is an entrance/​exit on Elgin Street. This entrance has a small seating area overlooking Elgin. With the floor to ceiling windows, it does feel like a big conservatory, and it can get noisy when you get a bunch of tai-​tais gossiping about her at number 37 not sending her kid to Kellet (there is no fabric to absorb the chatter which rattles around the walls and floor), but when you are the only person down there (and that is often, it is very peaceful.
Give it a go, it’s like being in Starbucks, but not, if you see what I mean?