Costa Coffee Lowry Centre, Salford Quays

Half term! omg

Coffee in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Harrogate, the home of Taylors coffee and tea empire including the notorious 'Bettys'. We went into a independent coffee house facing in direct competition with a large family orientated Costa Coffee bar, do we get our club points and hop over the road to get a perky costa coffee? No we venture into the independent café and take a chance, memory serves us that that Costa is now like a McDonalds, and it is half term!
There was a good view of the bus station from the independent café, to see when our ride home docks in and they always employ a handsome barista / promotions young man. No brainer! 

Costa Coffe, Albert Square, Manchester

Sitting in the window, observing the dynamics of a masculine team (makes a change from the often female dominated suburban cafes) working together and training a new starter. Fabulous window on the life of the town centre, every bus thanks to diversions stops there. Saturday morning awaiting a Spanish language exchange partner, Maria. Young men in lederhosen for Oktoberfest and a sophisticated wedding party pulls up outside. Time to chill and reflect on a brutal week at work.
Getting so used to the taste of Costa coffee, so can't appreciate it. Need a change to another brand then come back to Costa with pleasure, mucho gusto.

Molly House, Richmond Street, M1

An volcanic eruption of cocoa over a snow capped mountain, strong and rich. Back home after months of absence with a welcome back pat and caress. Ecuadorian chef brings charm and patter, can see him with a café of his own. Rustic and eclectic mix of music. But never ask for a shandy.

Coffee at home with Nespresso

A last minute cup, just before the approximate threshold for insomnia, made from Arpeggio Nespresso capsule and semi skimmed long life milk. Smooth and silky in my favourite cup but never enough, squeezing out the last drop. Ummmm

There was a sprinkling of Italians at Veeno's, just worthy of braving the hurricane Gonzalez for. Coffee was well presented by a Spanish waiter and just 2 pounds. Some handsome Italians, probably the brothers that run the café, worth checking out again when next in need of some Italian therapy, hopefully not as cold and bracing next time.

Coffee at Kendals, Manchester

I had a posh coffee on the third floor champagne bar at Kendals (House of Fraser) this lunch time. Nice petite white glazed cup with ammertti style biscuit. My partner who wasn't having a coffee was offered a glass of tap water, so he didn't feel left out. Coffee quite good, but not really rich enough for my tastes. Posh company in the form of two ladies on the champs at midday. Can I get any more posh than this? Maybe San Carlos just over the way, but don't think they do just coffee.
Tonight, Veenos Wine café in Braznoze Street by Albert Square for some Italian fun I hope.