What is it or what would attract you...

[AT700]

to a coffee shop?

Andy

 

[ethical PR]

coffee

 

[fisicx]

Free WiFi

 

[businessfunding]

Pole dancing

 

[DazRave]

Pole dancing

x2, there's not enough pole dancing coffee shops.

But in all fairness, i'm not a massive coffee drinker (i.e. i don't drink enough to care where i buy it from), so i guess the only thing that would draw me in would be the price.

 

[Paul Norman]

In reality, on the first visit, it is going to be a combination of location, and how I like the look of the interior as I peer briefly in from outside.

After that, those things will still be important, but I now need the service to be consistently good, and the coffee to be delicious - which is subjective, of course!

 

[titanium]

Old fashioned board games like Scrabble, connect 4, guess who, plus traditional ones like chess etc. My husband and I used to meet up for lunch in the same pub every day because there were games to borrow from behind the bar. Loved it.

 

[deniser]

I would like it to look clean with cleared tables, have free wifi, nice homemade cakes, good coffee and tasteful decor.

 

[DazRave]

I think what you're going to get here, is lot's of different personal preferences.

So who is your target audience?

 

[stallfinder]

I often work from coffee shops so my main things would be free wifi, option to have large coffee in a mug (can't be doing with the current trend of tiny cups of coffee in miniature cups and saucers), being able to order another coffee without having to leave my laptop etc and queue up again and a bit of space between the tables so I don't feel squashed up against other people.

 

[tony84]

Pole dancing

And Alcohol.


A quiet area for people who want to do work?
An area for mothers meetings where they have kids?
Internet (free).

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

to a coffee shop?

Andy

Nothing I'm very odd - dont drink tea or coffee

 

[stallfinder]

One that paid their taxes would also be a bonus

 

[vvaannmmaann]

A baby and children free coffee shop.

 

[TradeSmart]

Price for me. Not that I am tight-wad, but I simply refuse to pay the prices some of the well known chains charge, when I can go to Bobs Café down the road and get the same quality cuppa for half the price.

 

[Adwords_Guru]

Free wifi, decent coffee, paninis, nice ambience

 

[beasty]

I know a shop in Italy and they opened up in London and are making millions

Copy a proper Italian coffee shop, ignore the crap chains that currently exist

Suggest you book a flight and see how it should be done

 

[Deleted member 226268]

NO annoying back-ground "music"..... which most often is heavy front-ground
Zombie-pop for the brain dead, persuading potential customers to leave before
even making a purchase.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Old fashioned board games like Scrabble, connect 4, guess who, plus traditional ones like chess etc. My husband and I used to meet up for lunch in the same pub every day because there were games to borrow from behind the bar. Loved it.

You lot would be a bundle of laughs . I was thinking of taking up knitting myself .

Somewhere to park my drop top where I can keep an eye on it . So I don't have to go through all the effort of pushing the roof up button .Just to have a cup of posh coffee and a sticky bun

 

[HarveyIT]

And Alcohol.

That's called a pub

 

[BustersDogs]

Normal coffee and a good 4G signal. I never use free wifi and I hate all this posh coffee crap. If I want a good cup of coffee I normally have to go to a teashop. :-/ Also tables for one, and none of those comfy seats that encourage people to hang around for hours so I can't get a seat unless I perch on the corner of a table with 3 mates having a great time, feeling uncomfortable both literally and metaphorically!

 

[Dan Izzard]

For me, all the aspects talked about would have to be above average but location wins it. Like @BustersDogs, huge comfy seats (that inevitably get covered in skinny-iced-mocha-frappe-latte stains) are a no-no for me. What do you think of the info so far @AT700?

 

[AT700]

Thank you all for your great input! It's very much appreciated!

My late Mothers dream was to open her own coffee shop after working in many for so many years!
In 2010 and in her early 40's she was part way through the process when she was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer.

My goal since then has been to launch one in her memory. I've been working on the business plan since 2012 and hopefully will look to find premesis in 2015!

 

[balik]

Definitely price and size of mugs. Also I would like a free one first before I buy some more. Discount card and definitely amazing customer service, so you feel better when you spend your money and you were well looked after.

 

[Christine Hough]

Old fashioned board games like Scrabble, connect 4, guess who, plus traditional ones like chess etc. My husband and I used to meet up for lunch in the same pub every day because there were games to borrow from behind the bar. Loved it.

Just as well they did not have monopoly or you would have been there all afternoon

 

[Excel Expert]

Coffees delivered to the tables. I hate that whole wait in line, get served, wait in line again, get your coffee, then hopefully find a table

 

[Christine Hough]

NO annoying back-ground "music"..... which most often is heavy front-ground
Zombie-pop for the brain dead, persuading potential customers to leave before
even making a purchase.

second that

 

[JamesMcG25]

Warm atmosphere, wooden interior perhaps? Cushioned seats. Friendly staff, but not robotic affability like in Pret. Maybe just model it on Central Perk?

 

[Paul Murray]

Things I'd personally want/expect from an independent coffee shop:

Free Wifi
I hate ones that require me to sign up to 'updates' with an email address

A cosy/calm atmosphere
Warm lighting, book shelves (with second-hand books to read/buy maybe), wooden furniture. I often meet clients in coffee shops so somewhere peaceful where you can hear each other speak is necessary (why are chain shops so loud?)

Reasonable prices
I'm prepared to pay nearly £3 for a coffee if it's decent, but I often draw the line at food. £4 for a slice of cake? £1.80 for a giant custard cream? No, no thank you.

Space
Personally I hate being cramped in and being too close to other customers. I like to be able to sit and not worry about someone reading over my shoulder or hearing my chat with a friend/client.

 

[toastking]

No coffee, I can just about stand the smell of tea but I hate the smell of coffee. Unfortunately this means I am never the key customer but I am the hanger on... so when I am dragged into one I'd say good cakes or alternatives to coffee, either cold - juice/chocolate milkshake or hot - hot chocolate.

 

[crowdcorp]

A nice fireplace to enjoy the coffee beside

 

[beasty]

I am only going to say it one more time (This is that time)

GO TO ITALY It is only a couple of hours away !

No point researching what people here want, you pretty much know that, go see what they want but are not aware of!

 

[MOIC]

Quality coffee.

Quality snacks.

Competent and efficient staff with a smile.

Efficient service.

Free Wi Fi not limited to time.

24 hours opening.

Everything 100% clean, staff, tables, crockery, preparation area, kitchen area, floor, etc etc.

Reasonable prices.

Comfortable seating.

Location.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

Free coffee...?

 

[Jones&co Freelance]

Free refills, I don't mind paying for one...