Starbucks Review No.2 and No.3 : James Street and 02 Centre, Finchley Road.

Two Starbucks reviews in one post - I am spoiling you!! I didn't visit them both in the same day!! (last time I did a multiple starbuck visit in one day, I couldnt sleep all night)

First visit was Wednesday this week, was on my way to our company press show, heading for the tube and I thought "Paul, go on treat yourself...you've got a busy day ahead of you, you look tired and you feel it too", so I did, I stepped into James Street.

I have never sat and had coffee in this branch but I do often pop in after a comp shop or store visit to recharge the batteries as I walk back up to the office. There's something about this place which is quaint, it's quite small not in a claustrophobic sense just cosey. The staff are friendly, it's got an almost tearoom vibe about it despite being a stones throw (I've always wanted to say that) from the monster that is Selfridges and busy Oxford Street.

Now if I've learnt just one thing from Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer that is location is everything...this branch is mega close to St.Christopher's place which I also love, lots of cafes, greenery *sigh*... I award this Starbucks establishment 7 mochas out of 10 - and will continue to visit.

My second visit review is less positive. The 02 Centre, Finchley Road.

I am at the 02 centre a fair bit; it's my local big supermarket, cinema, Yo! Sushi...you get the idea, it's not the closest Starbucks to my flat but still one that I visit a fair bit at weekends. It's a lovely place, nice and spacious with big windows. It's also great for "celebrity" spotting, my friend Lori (who actually visits the chain a lot more than I do) was in there the other week and none other than Rachel Stevens of Strictly Come Dancing/ Sclub 7 fame was sat right next to her...then JLS from X-factor walked in (I dont like them - do they need to go EVERYWHERE together in those bloody JLS hoodies, I hope they wash them!), anyway Rachel lives in the area and the Xfactor house is also pretty close so there is always some one loitering around that you've seen on the ol' box.

This is all well and good, however, I went there with Tim recently and ordered my Christmas favourite "Gingerbread Latte"...well! I couldn't finish it! It was disgusting, it tasted bitter but not in a nice way, skanky bitter, not enough flavour, just nasty! I didn't complain (in hindsight I should have) but it put me off the drink this season and for this reason I can only give 4 mochas out of 10. I will continue to visit but I will just be a little more careful about my drink selection.