Starbucks Compass Next Cardiff

This branch of Starbucks is a franchise store located in the large Next store on Queen Street in Cardiff, normally I am put off by franchise stores, but after two disappointing experiences at other Starbucks branches in Cardiff, I deciasded to call in here, while shopping in Next, and it was quite a big, spacious store with great views of Cardiff and Next, being on a sort of balcony within the store, on the top floor of course right next to the men's clothing section. The store didn't seem really busy and the queuing system could have been handled better, but the staff did seem really nice, they told me they are unable to take Starbucks cards due to being a franchise store, but were able to offer me 10% off instead, which was a good offer and in a way is better than the Starbucks card, as they don't offer this deduction, and they even offered to waive the 20p fee on my drink for upgrading to Origin Espresso as I am a gold member with the Starbucks card. I was also pleased to notice a great selection of Starbucks mugs, which were very cheap as well at £6.95, when they are normally £8.50 at other branches nearby in Cardiff, with the 10% deduction, it worked out at £6.25 each, so due to such a low price, as a collector I decided to buy both Cardiff and Wales mugs. Moving onto the drinks, I ordered an Iced Caramel Machiato, as I recall the drink was £3.65 before the discount, which was once again cheaper than what they would charge in a Starbucks-operated store, one thing I like about this store is they stock the full menu and they are one of the only franchise stores, probably the only, I have visited which doesn't charge high end prices due to being high-end and actually charges lower, or the same price than normal stores, for example my friend's Grande Latte was £2.60 before the discount, the same as any other Starbucks stores in Cardiff or Manchester. There are also loads of plug sockets to charge devices, making this place an ideal place to work, as it is in a great location in the center, with great views, and it doesn't seem really busy either, so you can relax a little, concentrate and enjoy your surroundings. By the time I found a table, a nice barista brought my drinks to my table, she seemed really nice, friendly and gave this store a good feel, she even sat down talking to customers when they were less busy, which made the store feel really nice and certainly not like it was a part of such a large chain, like Starbucks. My drink was quite nice too, due to the way the drink is made, you have one layer of coffee and caramel and one milk, I find it better if you let it mix for its-self, rather than stirring it, giving it a nicer taste. This store can be quite hard to get to if you are not visiting Next, as to get a lift up to the higher floor, you have to enter Next, go to the other side of the store for a lift and then back to the other side, so introducing more lifts which are nearer and easier to find, is something which should be worked on and would benefit both Starbucks and Next. Overall, this is a really nice branch of Starbucks and probably my favorite franchise store, and my favorite store in Cardiff due to the lower pricing, staff and drink quality as well as how spacious and cool this store looks, and I feel it deserves a solid four stars.

This is a nice one to visit. I only wish that they would charge me the same price for a large vanilla skinny matcha each time I visit. So far over the last 6 times the cost has only been the same twice. Keep being told to see the manger who is never available. But the matcha is on point so not really bothered.

Decent place located right in the center of the city. Overall nice place.

Good location and comfortable area

Excellent reasonable coffee

Strong coffee and quite expensive