Starbucks is an American chain of coffee houses with stores all over the world. It's the world's largest coffee house chain, with over 1,000 locations in the UK.
Reviews for the 40 Starbucks franchises in Wales are pretty varied. The worst scores just 1.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with the best gaining a perfect five stars.
Without further ado, here is the full list of Starbucks stores in Wales, ranked from worst to best. We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments section. You can get more Sw news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: Every McDonald's in Wales rated from worst to best.
Newport Road, Cardiff
Rating: 1.5
Yikes! Out of 34 reviews of this store, 28 are "terrible". One said: "This place is so bad. There were three cars in front of me at 8.40am… at 9am I still didn’t have my coffee. There were about 6 people working behind the counter yet no urgency at all."
Another commented: "Slowest Starbucks in the world. I knew this before I came this time. It would have been quicker to drive 5 miles in the wrong direction than wait here."
Village hotel, Swansea
Rating: 1.5
Nine out of the 11 reviews are "terrible". One says: "Absolutely shoddy, areas floors disgustingly dirty, coffee served in cheap paper cups, yet we were sitting in. Coffee was also very poor! Earl grey tea was saturated in milk."
Another said: "Had to repeat my name 3 times, still got it wrong. Call the customer in front of me a very derogatory name because they misinterpreted his name repeatedly. Overpriced £3.05 for a small hot chocolate that was lukewarm verging on cold hot chocolate. Would not recommend and will not be revisiting, staff unfriendly and uncooperative."
Magic Bean, Llansamlet
Rating: 1.5
With six "terrible" reviews and one "average", it's not looking great for this store. One review said: "Went here today for my usual caramel macchiato. I asked for 2 sugars to be put in for me. The lady just chucked them in without stirring it and gave me a paper stirrer for me to stir myself! What is the trouble for them to stir it for us?!
"Then when I was given the drink the lid wasn’t on properly so spilt everywhere. I asked the lady to put the lid on for me and tried then said the cup was faulty and made me another one??!! It was perfectly fine to put in another cup. To make things worse, the second cup was half full and just cream on the top!! Never going there again! That particular staff member had no idea what she was doing and needs more training in customer service!" Yikes.
Pemberton Retail Park, Llanelli
Rating: 2.5
Mixed reviews at this popular store. One said: "Lovely girls at drive thru, welcoming, super helpful. Card payments only and I didn’t bring my card and they still gave my son his frappe so he wasn’t disappointed. Much appreciated and thanks."
Another disagreed: "Terrible service, no masks, no smiles, no manners, no social distancing. My husband and I felt really unsafe, will not visit Starbucks again."
McArthur Glen, Bridgend
Rating: 2.5
This Starbucks is situated in the designer outlet retail park in Bridgend. Reviews are mixed, with one saying: "Just popped in for a Black Filter and a Frappuccino with my daughter. My first filter was cold so they gave me something instead, Americano supposedly. Communication was awful and they had no masks on, so that wasn't the excuse.
"I got back to my table and my black coffee is now boiling hot but tastes like hot water. It doesn't even smell like coffee?? I drink a lot of coffee from Costa, Nero and Starbucks. This is the last time I will come to this store for sure. Shocking service and expensive cup of hot water. Normally I would return the drink, but I shouldn't have to go back twice. Black coffee from a coffee shop shouldn't be that difficult for them surely. I would like to point out that the first cup of filter tasted and smelt nice but was not hot. I have no idea what happened to the second cup?"
Another was more positive: "Great coffee and friendly service. Toffee nut latte are amazing. Staff were friendly. Would visit again."
Cardiff Gate
Rating: 2.5
This Starbucks mainly serves passing drivers from the M4. The reviews for the service station itself are not great, with a few mentioning the smell of the toilets (we haven't confirmed this).
Llanishen, Cardiff
Rating: 2.5
The store's low rating is paired with some negative reviews. One said: "Shocking service after waiting inside to be served for 10 minutes and build up behind they told us to wait outside!! Either lacking interest motivation or just not trained properly... won’t return."
However, one helpful reviewer disagreed with the negativity. They said: "I'm writing this review as some people's reviews of this location are a little off. I used to work in another store on this retail park, I'd visit the Starbucks a few times a week. 99% of the time they were rammed. So I would avoid the busiest times, for instance Weekend mornings. Or you know, when it looked like there was a big line or the place was heaving. To complain about a store being busy and having a long line is, well, silly.
"Come back at a time when it's not super busy and you won't have to wait, the staff won't be flustered and the tables will have been cleared. However, if you tag onto the back of a huge line, don't complain about it. If the person serving you is flustered, empathise with them, they are dealing with it as best they can and if you came back when it wasn't as busy none of you would be frustrated.
"The staff in this store are awesome. They go above and beyond every shift and seeing the criticism of them makes me think that some people need to remember how to empathise and stop acting so entitled. I wouldn't normally stand up for a big company like this, but, the staff are humans. They are trying their best. 10/10."
Snowdonia National Park, Dollgellau
Rating: 2.5
One reviewer summed up their experience: "Every time I've been to this Starbucks it's the same as any other Starbucks anywhere in the country. The staff are competent, friendly and efficient but they don't treat you like you're the most important thing in their life. I mean, Why would they? Why would anyone expect them to. it's a coffee shop and you're buying a coffee.
"If you want a hot mediocre coffee use this Starbucks. If you want a 5 star, customer-centric, roasted-bean experience whilst driving between rural Welsh towns.....you might be disappointed and also a little delusional."
Llandygai, Bangor
Rating: 2.5
This Starbucks is part of the services which serve Bangor and local areas. One reviewer said: "Quite a nice little Starbucks at the services - good parking. We were served by Cerys whose smile shone through her facemask. Lovely spacious seating area with nice lamps, worth a repeat visit."
Another had a problem with cream: "Orders a coffee frappe with no cream once I got my order it had cream, asked for one without cream so he scrapes some of the cream off and gives it back to me still covered is cream."
Kinmel Park, Rhyl
Rating: 2.5
This store serves motorists stopping off at the services. One reviewer couldn't help but gush: "Stopped off due to necessity to use their toilet facilities. Typical Starbucks fare, as expected with typical coffee and service. Tables were nicely spaced, no overcrowding here, and everywhere clean and tidy. Toilets were nicely appointed and clean." Don't get too excited!
Wylfa Service Station, Mold
Rating: 2.5
Another service station Starbucks, servicing motorists travelling across North Wales. One reviewer said: "Very slow service, no snacks available, wanted a caramel Frappuccino without cream, came with cream, offered to take it off or make a new one but it had already taken too long. Table and indeed the whole place a bit grubby."
Another reviewer had a positive experience: "Staff were friendly, and clearly working hard, we went in on a Saturday and they were very busy but staff were still attentive and happy. Our drinks were lovely and plenty of food to pick from. Would 100% recommend."
Mile End, Oswestry
Rating: 2.5
115 very mixed reviews at this franchise. One review said: "Visited this morning for 2 drinks and explained I was on my way to the train station. Paid for the drinks and waited 20 mins since I ordered and had to leave as I'd have missed the train. Only 2 members of staff on in the morning when it's very busy, one making drinks and the other taking orders and sorting the food.. Very slow service for a coffee shop...."
Another commented: "Poor visit again! The staff are hopeless. Gave coffees in takeaway cups but food on plates (we were not eating in)! Then forgot about the cake order. 2nd visit here and next time I’ll go elsewhere."
Kingsway Shopping Centre, Newport
Rating: 2.5
One loyal customer's review said: "I’ve been a loyal customer at this Starbucks for the last 6 or 7 years. I’ve never had anything I didn’t like, and I’ve never had a bad experience. The baristas are always friendly, the place is always clean.
"Yes there can be a wait sometimes as some other people have pointed out, but what people need to understand is they are dealing with a lot of orders when there’s lots of people in the café. So of course there’s going to be a bit of a wait at times. I wish people would be more respectful about that, as the baristas are trying really their best and some people’s attitudes towards them is absolutely appalling."
Another had a different experience: "Left waiting at the till, not greeted while staff had a quick catch up . Waited and waited for 2 white coffees, not worth the wait."
Waterton Retail Park, Bridgend
Rating: 2.5
One reviewer said: "I quickly ran into the the building to grab a coffee and check what sandwiches were available. It was quiet, no-one was queuing and the drive-thru was empty too. I ordered immediately and had to ask 24 minutes later how long my coffee would be. They hadn’t even started making it and asked me 4 times what had I ordered. There were two men also waiting for their orders. There were 4 staff making the coffees but just laughing and talking but not producing any drinks, apart from the one lady serving the drive-thru."
Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire
Rating: 3
This store serves mainly drivers stopping off from the A48. One reviewer said: "Ridiculous. Every time I come to this Starbucks I have to queue for at least 10-15 minutes. There's only ever 1 member of staff on in the morning and the queue is literally out of the door. Not the best experience."
Interestingly, the very same reviewer posted just four months later: "I have to say I am super impressed with this Starbucks now. The improvements in hygiene and customer service are incredible. I was made a perfect coffee by a lovely lady - will definitely be coming here more often now. What a difference. Highly recommend."
Pencoed , M4 Junction 35
Rating: 3
This handy store mainly serves motorists from the M4. One review said: "Always go to this store every morning! Quick drive through and always great service from the partners."
Another said: "I go here for my daily coffee before work and I'm always greeted by a smile and friendly face. Excellent customer service - my favourite Starbucks."
Village Hotel, Cardiff
Rating: 3
Just 11 reviews for this store which serves a popular spa hotel in Cardiff. One review said: "£5 for a warm (and I mean like warm) panini. I settled for a plain hot chocolate which was tepid if that. The whole place was busy and extremely noisy. No comfortable seats. We'll go elsewhere next time!"
Another commented: "Had to stop and have a coffee after a spa day, lovely big mug of decaf too, lovely comfy chairs and settees , free wifi to boot, well worth popping in."
St David's Shopping Centre, Cardiff
Rating: 3
As expected, this popular store has some very mixed reviews, as service seems to depend on how busy the shopping centre is. One says: "I like popping into this Starbucks when visiting Cardiff. On my most recent trip, I was greeted by Tom who gave excellent customer service and till and Jazmyn made me a wonderful caramel macchiato. Considering I came in during a rush the service and quality of my order was perfect and I couldn’t fault the staff for their efficiency. Will definitely continue to come here!"
While another disagreed, saying: "It took about 20 mins from queuing to receiving my order with two customers before me. The hot chocolate and caramel macchiato had a weird after taste that I have not experienced before and were tasteless."
A40, Carmarthen
Rating: 3
One reviewer was not happy with the strength of the coffee. They said: "Coffee flavour-not coffee There is a hint of coffee. Not sure if any barista training has been given to staff - maybe they don’t know how much coffee ground to put in the machine? Not enough obviously."
Another grateful reviewer said: "Thank you Starbucks Carmarthen for letting me stay whilst I waited for my car to be recovered after breaking down. Although you were only open for takeaways you let me stay and keep warm with a latte whilst I waited to be rescued!"
A55 Services, Mold
Rating: 3
This rest stop serves the A55 in Mold. One review said: "The toilets were disgusting. No toilet paper, flushing mechanism broken in the ladies, hand dryers not working. Didn't look as if the toilets had been cleaned in weeks. Restaurant also looked dirty so didn't buy any food. This is the second Starbucks Services I have visited in a year. The other one (in Somerset) was also dreadful. I will never visit a Starbucks again." Oh dear.
Another agreed: "Shocking. Signs everywhere saying how Covid compliant they are yet the toilets smell and look like they haven’t been cleaned for weeks. If they have that attitude to the lavs I wonder about general hygiene, gave it a miss."
Gwent Square, Cwmbran
Rating: 3
Reviews are pretty spread out over the board here. One said: "I never come to this Starbucks, it’s usually always a Newport Starbucks trip. Don’t think I’ve ever been to a Starbucks where a member of staff made me feel so welcomed. Never really write reviews let alone a Starbucks one but just wanted to say thank you to him, the two salted caramel cookies went down a treat!"
Mansion House, Cardiff
Rating: 3
This store is located on Cardiff's Newport Road in the city centre. There are just seven reviews here, spread out across the star ratings. One review said: "Stopped for a coffee. The drinks were usual Starbucks fare. The place however was extremely noisy (in spite of it not being that busy) - it was due to the high ceiling which made the place echo. Not a comfortable environment."
The Hayes, Cardiff
Rating: 3.5
Very mixed reviews at this busy store in Cardiff's city centre. This one summarises the general impression of TripAdvisor users: "Filter coffee was great. So was the lemon cake. Staff not so good. Quite rude and very indifferent. The coffee was hot and fresh but the staff seemed fed up. One asked me to scoot aside, another said she'd call me when the latte was ready. She didn't, so when we eventually got it, it was lukewarm."
Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff Bay
Rating: 3.5
Reviews are spread out pretty evenly across the ratings. One 4-star review said: "I love coming here on the days I'm required to commute to work. Coffee is strong which is to my taste and I love the sausage baps but not always available, maybe it's Covid. Nice and quiet at 7am. The only thing that needs improving is the parking, the spaces are really tight."
Morfa Shopping Park, Swansea
Rating: 3.5
This Starbucks serves the shopping centre, and has picked up a variety of reviews. One said: "Went here on Feb 5th and had quite possibly the worst coffee ever. It wasn't particularly warm and it tasted a bit worse than cheap own brand instant. Give this place a wide berth."
Another said: "One of the few Starbucks coffee shops we sit in. Always clean, tables cleared and cleaned and friendly staff."
A40, Monmouth
Rating: 3.5
This is another service station Starbucks franchise, this time serving the A40. one review said: "We had a great hot chocolate from the Starbucks there, and had a sit and a rest before heading back. The drinks were excellent, and there is plenty of room to sit and unwind."
Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff
Rating: 3.5
There are a measly four reviews for this store in Cardiff's Culverhouse cross. One review said: "Fantastic customer service, I was a bit of an awkward customer with my diet restrictions, but this was not a problem! Excellent coffee too, not often I find a Starbucks that I like, but was lucky enough to find this one when travelling through Wales last week! Wish it was my local!!"
Another commented: "I used to love Starbucks, but have been using more independent places lately. But while in Cardiff thought I would give this one a go. I remember a smiley happy place, with lots of interaction but that is not what I got, no smiles just business, I'm not sure that giving everyone headphones is the way to go, you can't tell if they are talking to you or the person on the other end, may help if they look at you?! I'm not blaming the staff who clearly have to juggle both but as a customer I would like the very basic greeting and a smile. Food and drinks were disappointing too, such a shame that the money making machine of Starbucks is only interested in just that."
Coryton, Cardiff
Rating: 4
Again, only a handful of reviews here. One said: "The staff at this Starbucks deserve a medal, or a raise, or both. We’ve been getting deliveries since Uber finally got up this far, and every time they are prompt, the food and drink are expertly prepared, its carefully packaged and they put little smileys on the bags!
"I started saying thank you, because the smiley faces really lifted me; and they wrote little messages and added little touches of kindness, I really feel like they bring me up when I’m feeling down. Thank you staff at this Starbucks, for working through this horrible time and doing it with kindness and style."
Brewery Quarter, Cardiff
Rating: 4
This venue has 37 reviews, and these are pretty mixed. Though 4 is a decent rating, it's not immune from bad reviews. One said: "We don't have a Starbucks near me so it is always a treat to visit. However, on this occasion, I wish we hadn't bothered. The lattes were OK, but the café itself was dirty and unattractive, and the toilet was barricaded off with chairs and highchairs. Wouldn't visit again."
Another review disagreed. It said: "Love the coffee. The staff work quickly and efficiently. Highly recommended. Go there as often as i can."
Queen Street, Cardiff
Rating: 4
With just ten reviews, we don't have a lot to work with here. But those ten are pretty positive. One delivered this wonderfully detailed write up: "My wife and I visited Starbucks, Queen Street, yesterday with our granddaughter who has just started at Cardiff University. We had a lovely time there.
"The store was celebrating 'International Coffee Day', and was offering free coffee tasting sessions. We were treated to a really interesting and informative presentation by Connor, one of the Coffee Masters, who not only prepared the filtered coffee but also taught us about the different coffee regions in the world. Thank you Connor and your colleagues for your excellent friendly service! We shall be back next time we visit! Oh, and the Latte and Iced Caramel Coffees were delicious!"
Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth
Rating: 4
One review said: "Walking up through Aberystwyth to the castle, stopped off at Starbucks to use the toilets (really need a good clean) and to grab a café latte. Standard Starbucks coffee - but with added Welsh friendly service." Another dubbed it "a good place for a break in the centre of town".
Wrexham Road, Wrexham
Rating: 4
A good rating for this Wrexham franchise. One review said: "Ordered at drive through. Customer service by a young lad was exceptional. Really helpful. Made a mistake on my order, sorted it out with a smile. Made my day!"
Another commented: "Stopped here with my wife and had a lovely coffee and muffins!! Good service and nice place to sit and watch the world go by!"
Mostyn Street, Llandudno
Rating: 4
Big scores considering it has 127 reviews. One said: "The staff are lovely! The cheapest prices for Starbucks in the area. Love visiting Starbucks for a treat. Always clean in the café and just an overall great atmosphere."
Another said: "Excellent friendly staff. Vegan options include a sandwich or two and coffee with soya cream dolloped all over it. Very good staff."
Cineworld Broughton Retail Park, Broughton
Rating: 4
Right on the border of England, this Starbucks is located in a retail park in the village of Broughton. one reviewer said: "Visited yesterday after tea, my son wanted to try a ‘Starbucks’ I didn’t want anything with caffeine for him, the staff were very helpful and my son enjoyed his first visit."
Another commented: "Had a coffee after watching a film, it's very clean and staff are friendly, sat chatting for two hours with friends and wasn't rushed or made to feel uncomfortable and the coffee latte was lovely too."
Cineworld, Newport
Rating: 4.5
This top-notch franchise is located inside Cineworld in Newport. One review said: "I sat out here to avoid a rubbish film my friends were seeing! Although quite a small outlet it had all the usual stuff and the advantage of not being too busy. Coffee was good and the staff were brilliant. Good vibe from being in a cinema foyer."
Another said: "Not normally a massive fan of Starbucks, but this one is very well located for a visit to the cinema, and a huge improvement to what was available at Cineworld previous. Staff friendly and everything nice and clean and tidy with comfortable seating."
Sarn Park services, Bridgend
Rating: 5
Just three reviews here, but they are all five stars. According to TripAdvisor, this is the best Starbucks in Wales. One review says: "This is the second time now I have been strangely overwhelmed by a positive experience at a Starbucks - somewhere I would generally consider soul-less and uninterested in their customers. Perhaps harsh, perhaps derived subconsciously from previous experiences. Well, the staff here were absolutely lovely, really friendly and made a brief visit very positive."
Starbucks without TripAdvisor reviews
These stores have no TripAdvisor reviews to date, so they have been left off this list:
- Newport Retail Park
- Parc Pensarn Drive Thru
- Uplands Crescent Drive Thru
- Barry Waterfront Retail Park
Places to eat near where you live:
