Battle of the Brands

The battle of the coffee retailer brands is fascinating to watch these days! Starbucks' arrival into Ireland in recent times was meant to transform the coffee-drinking experience of us natives, weaned as we were on Bewley's and Nescafe(help!). But then the unexpected - Costa Coffee! Now that's what I call a helluva 'brand experience'. Everything from the seating outside to the window graphics to the interior furnishings to the leaflets, lighting and layout! Even to the food...and, OF COURSE, the coffee. Consistency is the by-word here...but consistency with quality... with earthy class, I say. Which all adds up to a wow cup of coffee (I mean 'Americano' of course...and make mine decaf) plus delicious baguette, wrap and/or brownie...whichever tempts you. But Costa also means costly....but, hey, a pricy latte set up to you with style in a sensational environment (read...'sense'-ational)....that's real coffee still delivering real value. Starbucks? We need more brand-bang for your starbucks, 'guys'. So, in a word..Buck-up!