Starbucks - Portsmouth

This place threw me a curveball. I didn’t see this coming out of a clear blue sky. I’ve thought about it before committing to this review and I’ve decided they are chancers 21st century pirates alive and well in Portsmouth. I’m a loyal Starbucks gold card holder for years. I literally easily spend over £1000 a year with them. I get extra shots, syrups etc but here….wait for it…I was charged 5 pence for a plastic cup of water and ice with my two cappuccino coffees and almond croissants. It’s not the 5p it’s the attitude. I usually sip water with my coffee. I do understand there’s a cost but some costs must be absorbed and they’ve recently increased their prices/margins quite significantly. They are, as we North Irish say, extracting the ur ine. It’s a long time since my flabber was gasted. This isn’t a struggling small scale operator; it’s a mega global company worth billions of dollars with a franchisee screwing loyal customers for a few pennies for a plastic cup of water when they are drowning in ceramic cups in store. My cappuccinos were served in ceramic cups and my almond croissants were served on a ceramic plate. I’ve avoided Starbucks since. I went to a costa coffee today and when I asked for water I got a large ice filled glass of the stuff with my coffees with no additional charge. I’ve been to Pret, Hotel Chocolat, M&S and a few independents too all cheerfully provided iced water for free, with a smile. So my advice is avoid this place and go elsewhere. I’m surprised these robbers aren’t charging for each sachet of sugar but charging for plastic cups it’s not beyond them to start perhaps only a matter of time? Time to review my loyalty to this pocket rifling brand.

Service slow, even though there were two people already waiting for their ordered coffees and I was front of the line. Ordered my coffee, asked my name, which they always spell wrong. No problem there though. The issue was with the lukewarm coffee given in my takeaway cup. No sleeve either, why should we be paying over 3 pounds for lukewarm coffee served with not so much a smile? Going downhill unfortunately and I have been going to this Starbucks for a quite a while now. What has changed?

Been going to this Starbucks for years. Can't understand negative reviews. Staff always polite and friendly. Usually have flat white and it is better than in most cafes. Background music is restful and relaxing. Not overwhelmed with the sound of squeaking and moaning female singers as in many establishments.

Staff very friendly, however service quite slow. Also I chose to eat in, just myself, and I had a load of plastic cutlery chucked on top of my tray- aren't they trying to reduce their plastic consumption in this day and age? I didn't use any of it but considering it had touched my food I can only assume they'd thrown it away. Would've preferred not to go to a chain but there's few other options around.

I come here most times I’m in Portsmouth purely because it’s the only Starbucks here... every time I do come in here the wait for coffee is absolutely ridiculous.... they have no less staff than any other Starbucks but they all seem to be just gormless.... there’s always a whole load of people standing waiting for them to get their act together and actually make the coffee!!! More training and a new manager needed.....