A slice of coffee life, with cosmetics. Or something. This title's rubbish.

I was out today in Bristol for a visit to the Lush shop. Lots of nice smelly things there, and (note this, fellas) helpful, happy staff ready to talk through the products and show you how to buy the right stuff. If you have no idea what I'm on about, please visit www.lush.co.uk.

But that's nothing to do with this posting.

So, after loading up with lovelies, time for a quick coffee, and here's the thing. There is a Starbucks right next to a Costas. I guess we should get used to this, because in my own apocalyptic vision, one day all city centre shops will be coffee shops. It has to happen.

The decision was an easy one, because the coffee tastes of more at Costas, in my opinion. Once in there though, it became clearer that the decision was not as easy for others.

People lingered in passageway, looking first in one shop, then the other. What were they trying to fathom out?

Well, possibly three main things:

1) Which has free tables
2) Who has the best sandwiches and cakes
3) Which has the nicer ambience

In the time there, I saw three couples go in both shops and look at the menu before deciding. This kind of open comparison is heartwarming. I bet the shop staff love it. That said, what a wonderful vote of confidence when people actually choose their shop. Somehow, with choice, it means so much more.

The staff would sometimes sneak an shifty glance at the other shop - it must be something of an uneasy stand-off. I do wonder whose idea it was to have them together.

Part of me wants to believe there are people out there who really don't care and just go in whichever one they arrive at first.

I would enjoy hating those people.

The tense view from Costas into Starbucks.

Comments

[Ruby Riley]

I've never heard of Costas. But I'm pretty sure that's the one I would pick. I do like Starbucks coffee, but it's not spectacular. And their pastries are lousy. (And I used to work there too, so I've pretty much tried it all.) Hilarious that they put these two so close together.

[Rebecca]

Yes, these we need good coffee keep springing up all over the place.

[Jason]

If only, I hear all readers of this blog shout, there was a place in Newbiggin by the Sea where the finest coffee and other gourmet regional produce could be procured in a stylish and welcoming environment. That would be best, I think.

[Rebecca]

It would wouldn't it, if only there was such a place?

[Louise]

I'd chose starbucks everytime!
U know Rachel work's for Costa?!