After reading scrolls of ‘terrible’ reviews about this particular Starbucks, I concluded I had to try it.
The store holds a rating of two stars at best and the only ‘excellent’ review left on their account was one that had been accidentally left by someone trying to write about the Royal Mile branch.
Trudging all the way out to Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, I didn't have high expectations.
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Luckily I had left room to be pleasantly surprised and, thankfully, I was.
Having never visited this Starbucks before, this was my first time seeing the glossy windows and well presented foliage surrounding.
Having seen the pristine exterior I was suddenly not so worried about what was to come.
The interior was modern and clean with hanging lights and plants on shelves around the walls. This may have been the nicest Starbucks I have ever visited.
I ordered a regular chocolate mocha and a shortbread cookie and sat right by the large windows that stretch from floor to ceiling.
The large amount of bad reviews had specified long waiting times and staff related issues.
One person wrote: “I advise everyone drink coffee elsewhere at another branch or another coffee chain, my partner ran in for 1 coffee just to buy something as we needed boiling water for our baby’s bottle, this somehow took them 20/25 minutes to do so.”
Another said: “New start on till, think we need to start with basic training on how to smile and not look so rude. And I don’t won’t to see someone's hairy backside, get jeans to fit, Please.”
My experience couldn't be further away from these comments. The staff were friendly and helpful, giving me advice on what cakes were their favourites.
I received my mocha a maximum of five minutes after ordering with extra helpings of whipped cream on the top.
I sipped my drink and looked out at the hills in the distance. As early bird shoppers arrived at the retail park the cafe was soon bustling with customers who joined me in admiring the view before heading to Primark.
The large windows create a well lit airy space, perfect to study in and I found many like minded people round the back with their noses in MacBook's.
I found the experience very peaceful and would say this Starbucks was an all round lovely venture, it gets five stars from me!
