I Visited Singapore's Top Coffee Chain Stores
Whether you're a fan of double espresso, prefer herbal tea, or love seasonal pumpkin spiced lattes, there's likely a go-to high street spot for your favorite drink. Coffee shop culture can be pretty intense, and it often reveals a lot about the person who frequents it. Each chain has its own unique energy, different types of customers, and varying levels of lighting from subtle to glaring.
The question is: what does your preferred coffee shop say about you? To find out, I spent a week visiting various coffee shops, taking notes, and trying to capture the vibe of each one—like David Attenborough, but with more baristas. Here's what I found, along with a vibe verdict for each.
Starbucks
Vibe verdict: Striped shirts and sweater vests
I wasn't looking forward to visiting Starbucks, as it felt like a place full of people but devoid of life—zombie land for pumpkin spice fans. However, my visit to the West London branch was more lively than expected. There weren’t many seats available when I arrived, with businessmen and teenagers training to be TikTok creators filling the space. I managed to squeeze in next to a couple studying together, who soon began aggressively snogging and whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears. Fortunately, they left quickly, presumably to continue their activities elsewhere.
The staff were full of life, and I almost teared up watching two employees in matching reindeer ears hand out hot chocolate samples to people on the street. It might have been a social media stunt, but it worked.
Best seller: Latte, £4.40
Costa Coffee
Vibe verdict: A creche for everyone
Costa has a long history with me. When I was 13, I used to spend every Saturday in Costa drinking mango and passionfruit coolers and eating bacon baps with friends. It was a familiar and easy place for my mum to go for coffee mornings and for us to grab a hot chocolate after a trip to the doctors. Today, it still carries that great sense of community. While finishing an oat vanilla latte, I saw everything from builders drinking cappuccinos to mums using the slightly tatty armchairs and sofas for a debrief after a chaotic week over cake.
However, the downside is that you might also encounter a community of mini Karens here. Costa's sugar-filled drinks attract a wealth of teenagers, who are inherently terrifying and quick to judge if you order something they deem unacceptable.
Despite this, Costa still has a lot going for it, especially with its Chicken Shawarma Flatbread.
Best seller: All Day Breakfast Wrap: £5.70
Gail’s
Vibe verdict: West London personified
Gail’s is one of the most controversial coffee shop chains in the UK. Some communities feel it has contributed to gentrification. When it was announced that a new outlet would open in South London, independent businesses expressed concern about the impact it might have.
Arriving at the High Street Kensington branch with an open mind, I left having experienced some of the most overwhelming two hours of my life. The decor is modern and clean, like a yummy mummy’s Saturday morning. The cappuccino cups are small and delicate, while fresh baguettes line the exposed brick walls. The food is on the more expensive side, but the quality matches up.
However, the chaos of its patrons contrasted with the sleek operation. Customers could be split into two categories: rich mums and rich students. The amount of prams and University College London ID badges was astonishing.
Best seller: Cinnamon bun: £4.45
Caffè Nero
Vibe verdict: Motherland
I’m a Caffè Nero girl and visit regularly. My parents are die-hard fans too, and I plan to encourage my children to follow suit. However, the food options are not great, and you'll likely spend time waiting in line behind someone deciding whether to try the new pecan spiced latte.
Once past that, Nero has a warm energy. On a Tuesday morning, I sat across from two couples, one in matching navy blue and one in matching salmon. It totally made my day and almost made me believe in love again.
Conversations revolved around family admin, dinner reservations, and plans for grandma’s 80th birthday. The walls are dotted with random stock images of cobbled streets and cappuccinos, offering a little slice of Italy.
Best seller: Flat White: £4.15
Pret A Manger
Vibe verdict: Frantically functional
Pret A Manger serves the most varied kind of customers. The second I walked in, I spotted a woman with nine-inch long acrylics next to a man in his 60s with a flat cap and tweed. Pret is aspirational, with a large fruit section and various juices that make you want to be better and eat better.
It's also the best-lit coffee shop I visited, perfect for pre-work selfies. However, there are far too many stools and not enough room to maneuver. Ultimately, you end up bumping into others with your large work bag.
For me, it's a mid coffee shop. The customers are neither interesting nor offensive. It's reliable but just… there.
Best seller: Tuna Baguette: £3.99
Joe & The Juice
Vibe verdict: The gym selfie crew
If Costa screams ‘community’, this place yells ‘you can’t sit with us’. With juice on the brain, no-one here is looking to commiserate over a Victoria sponge with you.
I fell victim to the chain’s hype a few years back, but over time, it lost its appeal for me. On a Thursday morning, I was immediately confronted by the overwhelming stench of health. While promoting a brand message is fine, it feels performative, as though everyone is trying to convince themselves they’re content sipping ginger shots and nibbling at acai bowls.
The few customers I spotted made a big impression. One eerily beautiful girl had three phones and bags that took up so much room you would think she was the next guest on Jeff Bezos’ trip to space.
Best seller: Spicy Tuna Sandwich: £9.60
POLL
Poll
Time for your say: which coffee shop chain is the best?
- Gail's - I love a fancy cinnamon bun
- Cafe Nero - A slice of Italy at home!
- Pret A Manger - I'm all about aspiration
- Costa Costa - A British institution
- Joe & The Juice- Health is wealth everyone
- Starbucks - Pumpkin spice is life
Comment now
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