Starbucks

This branch of Starbucks seems to be one of the nicest stores in Manchester, in a great central location, sandwiched in between Piccadilly Gardens and the station, this is a really nice, modern store, with all glass windows. Having passed on numerous occasions, I have always said to myself «That looks like a great Starbucks, I have to call in!» Today I did, and I rather wish I didn’t.
Shaun P seems to have got it spot on, in his review. Apart from the look and ambience of this store, it is simply very poor. The prices here seem to be a little more expensive than other Starbucks’ stores, which is very disappointing considering that they is many other stores, within such a short distance of this one. This could mean paying £7.65 for a Starbucks mug, which normally costs £7.50 with a free drink, which is even a deal offered in London. The capital of the UK for expensive things, and simply the capital in general.
This is a franchise store, so as well as the increased pricing, it means that you can not use your Starbucks cards. I don’t like this as it means missing out on grabbing a star, and moving one step closer to get a free drink, and also missing out on all the offers you get on being a member, such as the «Monday» promotion on at the moment, and simply getting a free drink for every 15 transactions.
The staff didn’t seem too friendly either, they seemed to be a little lazy, and it felt like, even though the store was quiet, they didn’t like me asking them certain questions, and they didn’t seem to be able to answer them.
This store also has a lack of food in general, and the food it does have seemed to be very expensive, which included a gluten free wrap for £4.40, it seemed to be the only wrap there too, and this is expensive even for gluten free, compared to what other stores charge in the Starbucks chain, and rivals, for that product.
I ordered a medium pumpkin spice latte, which came to about £3.80, the drink was simply a mess, and in my opinion it shown that the barista was careless, the cream was barely on my drink, and instead all stuck on the lid, and my drink just looked a disgusting mess, which is of course uncommon for a Pumpkin Spice latte, I also found the drink to be far too sweet, and simply not very nice, which is also uncommon for a PSL, and I even struggled to finish it as it was simply too sweet and not very nice, which considering the price and Starbucks’ standard is disgraceful, to the point where I do feel the need to complain to Head Office.
They did have a decent selection of Starbucks mugs, stocking the 2 varieties of England, with Henry VIII and Stonehenge, as well of as course stocking the Manchester one. I was also surprised to see they stocked the Belgium mug, which was a little hidden, up behind the counter, but still it was nice to see a variety of mugs, which are very hard to get outside of Belgium, which makes it the only mug there to warrant the extra price-​charge of £0.15 and a free medium beverage.
Overall, this store is a big disappointment, it looks a great store, and by looks and ambience, it is probably one of the best Starbucks’ stores in the country, but when you consider other factors such as price, quality and service it goes from being «London» to «Rotherham» in one quick swoop, so I feel the highest possible rating I can give is 2 stars, which is mainly for the ambience, but still is a little generous considering my experience.

A brand spanking new Starbucks right by the Malmaison Hotel in Piccadilly with direct access from the Hotel.
Due to this Starbucks being a franchise they do not accept Starbucks Gold members. The prices are also a tad more expensive than other Starbucks.
It is the trendiest Starbucks in the City by a mile though with the natural wooden furniture and a great look to the place with the big office table in the middle with many ports to charge your’e laptop or i phones and the huge glass windows which are great for people watching there is also seating outside for those summery days! All the Baristas seem really friendly and you can access the free wifi from the Malmaison Hotel which is fast and easy to connect in seconds I guess i can say Yay! I’m a fan :-)

GREAT Starbucks location and ambiance… Very poor franchisee agreements meaning no loyalty rewards for Starbucks ‘Gold’ customers, in short, my usual drink cost me £1.25 more! So this means despite this would have been becoming my preferred Starbucks, there are 3 more stores within 2 – 3 mins walk of here… Sorry Malmaison (Hotel) get your stuff sorted out because it can be done, should you want to encourage local and regular customers as opposed to merely passing trade and hotel guests!
Missed opportunity! :(