McCafé

It used to be Pret with their £0.99 ”black amo”, but now it’s officially McCafe that has the cheapest coffee in London. I don’t know if it was the inflation, or just a readjustment in price, but the coffee at Pret costs the same as anywhere else now - in the £3-£4 range for a medium cup of black coffee. MacDonald’s McCafe has kept theirs under £2, even for a large: £1.79 for large and £1.29 for medium.

The funny thing about this is that the coffee at the golden M isn’t actually that bad. In fact, to be honest, I can’t tell the difference between it and the stuff from Pret or even Starbucks. This is because they use the same sources - that over roasted batch most of the chain coffee shops use. The idea is to over-roast it, so that any distinguishing character is lost. This way, all their coffees can taste the same regardless of source. It’s how they get the recognisable taste. It’s the coffee version of how all the shops on the high street now all just look the same.

I really think McCafe can spinoff from the main shop. I think they will be just as successful as any other chain coffee shop, probably even more so, especially if they keep their current prices. They already have the range of coffees, teas and deserts like the apple pie and donut. They could broaden it out a bit and even include the McFlurry and milkshakes. I think it will be a runaway success that might even rival their main shops.

Of course I’d rather patronise a bespoke coffee shop serving good quality coffee, like the ones that keep closing down in my neighbourhood, but if Starbucks exists, so can McCafe. If I’m going to drink generic coffee anyway, I’d rather pay less for it.

Peace & Love,

Adé