Starbucks Review No.6 : 34 Great Malborough St, W1

It was Good Monday/ Easter Monday, what ever you want to call it and I had the great idea that I was going to go for a wander round London, chill out and take in the sights. I had been in Worthing which is a lovely little town by the coast (just along from Brighton) for a few days, and although I had a lovely time I was also craving the hustle and bustle of the city. The tube was not working (surprise surprise) and so I had to get the bus, I didn't mind, I winded through the roads, Swiss Cottage, Maida Vale, Marble Arch, not a care in the world...then....I got to Oxford Street...It was rammed, and not in a good way, this was "annoying-people-in-my-way" rammed.

That reminds me, I am thinking of pushing my idea of a "tourist free day" for London. We can go out and enjoy our city with fellow Londoners, we can walk at 500 miles an hour down the street, because that's what we do...we can ignore each other on the tube because that suits us.

I needed to calm down, I needed something that made me feel at ease, Starbucks near House of Fraser, perfect! I was in the queue sandwiched between a really irritating couple who took forever to choose something to eat (they opted for the Belgian Chocolate Brownie - yuck!) and this other posh woman talking about how many times her husband has been to the gym and how they're having renovations blah blah. Got to the till point the card machine isn't working? Can I pay by cash? NO I can't, I span round searching for the next shop...Carnaby Street.

I went in, queued and this time the same problem the card machine wasn't working, I faked surprise, the "barista" asked me if I could possibly go and get some cash out, "I only have my card with me I'm afraid" I lied...I gave her my best puppy dog eyes and result! she gave me my drink with the proviso that I would pay next time (!!?) hmmm, still un-decided whether I will own up or not.

So yeah, this Starbucks has gone WAY up in my expectations, normally those busy branches are skanky and full of tourists but I saw it in a new light. The place was clean, the staff speedy but friendly, My Venti Coffee based Iced Mocha Frappuccino was delicious and I've seen the cheeky girls having an interview outside before; talk about ticking all the boxes...This is one cool Starbucks!

8 mochas out of 10 - matching the score of West End Lane.