This is a quick write-up, so you can read about the origins of Coffee #1 here, and I'll give you the headlines that they started up 12 years ago in Cardiff, have been spreading throughout the south west like topsy and now they're making waves on the coastal shores of the south.
A few months ago I noticed the old pound shop in Palmerston Rd had been transformed into a bleached wood, latte pouring, comfy chaired coffee shop, much to my amazement, as there are 372 (or thereabouts) places to drink coffee within a 100 metre radius of John Lewis (including John Lewis) But even more amazing is the amount of coffee that people drink in Southsea, and how much disposable bean income they seem to have, because Coffee #1 and its pals are filled with swillers and tea cake munchers every day from dawn till dusk.
I've been in a couple of times now. I like the faux clubby decoration, which works well even though it's such a big space. There's even an authentic-looking fireplace at the back, but I don't think Santa will be delivering any roasted Guatemalan beans this year unless they put a chimney in.
Their coffee is 'Costa' quality - and by that I mean no disrespect to either brand, but rather it's of a high commercial standard and consistency. They tell you all about their blends and single origins on their website so I don't have to, but I'm looking forward to trying their 100% Monsoon Malabar next time I'm in. I can't comment on the sandwiches & co, other than the food looks good, and unlike some other major coffee chains they toast fresh paninis to order. I did however have a wonderful sweet and creamy Portuguese custard tart to go along with a splendid pumpkin spice latte (which was far superior to the effort from Starbucks).
The biggest problem - certainly in the Southsea branch - is the front of house. Unlike Starbucks, Costa, Caffe Nero they haven't got a handle on their order - payment - delivery process and it simply doesn't work. There are delays and log jams all the way down the line, and with little coordination between the various roles. I suggest they send someone with process transformation skills to map out the best of the competition and come up with a system that works for Coffee #1. It's the thing that lets them down and comes across as less than professional. That said, I like their coffee, their attitude and friendliness, and the fact that they seem passionate about their products. In fact they're the closest I've seen a chain come to an independent, so let's hope that as they grow they keep that ethos. Costa should be worried.
A few months ago I noticed the old pound shop in Palmerston Rd had been transformed into a bleached wood, latte pouring, comfy chaired coffee shop, much to my amazement, as there are 372 (or thereabouts) places to drink coffee within a 100 metre radius of John Lewis (including John Lewis) But even more amazing is the amount of coffee that people drink in Southsea, and how much disposable bean income they seem to have, because Coffee #1 and its pals are filled with swillers and tea cake munchers every day from dawn till dusk.
I've been in a couple of times now. I like the faux clubby decoration, which works well even though it's such a big space. There's even an authentic-looking fireplace at the back, but I don't think Santa will be delivering any roasted Guatemalan beans this year unless they put a chimney in.
| A pumpkin spice latte yesterday |
The biggest problem - certainly in the Southsea branch - is the front of house. Unlike Starbucks, Costa, Caffe Nero they haven't got a handle on their order - payment - delivery process and it simply doesn't work. There are delays and log jams all the way down the line, and with little coordination between the various roles. I suggest they send someone with process transformation skills to map out the best of the competition and come up with a system that works for Coffee #1. It's the thing that lets them down and comes across as less than professional. That said, I like their coffee, their attitude and friendliness, and the fact that they seem passionate about their products. In fact they're the closest I've seen a chain come to an independent, so let's hope that as they grow they keep that ethos. Costa should be worried.
