Starbucks Reserve (redux)

*update - like all good things, the 'bucks bean counters obviously feel that offering something of genuine quality to a somewhat niche crowd is not worth doing.  Vigo street no longer offers this option...hopefully this is isn't repeated in the only other location but I am not holding my breath.  

A response from the big corporate to the increasingly discerning public and the growing trend to independent cafes and roasters, which in some respects they were a catalyst for.

As a move against the indys, the empire has struck back, and how. Generally offering three guest roasts that rotate surprisingly often, one can order an individually roasted and brewed coffee in their 'clover' machine.

So to the question - is it any good? The answer for me is a resounding yes, my recent choice was a Bolivian roast which certainly competes with some of the best I've had anywhere.


My frustration is there are so few - I have only found two in London, which given how many outlets there are, is akin to finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar. There seem slightly more in the US but probably only in some of the more affluent areas. Also the staff themselves seem surprised when I order one, and even have forgotten to make it at times (not a unique trait at the 'bucks). I want to see them make more of this offering, which is a genuine contender and far better than many so-called 'specialist' options out there who don't even know what a filter is.

★★★★★★★★★☆
Vigo Street, London

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/store-locator/store/2888/vigo-street-6-a-vigo-street-london-eng-w-1-s-3-hf-gb