Caffe Nero in Guildford

Super helpful friendly staff and great coffee!

Review of Caffe Nero, 66 North Street, Guildford GU1 4AH We had an appointment that morning in the bank across the street from the Caffe Nero which is on the corner of North Street and Market Street - a narrow mainly pedestrianized street that leads through to the commercial centre on the High Street. We could see the blue and black colours of the façade and the large floor to ceiling windows that showed the café to advantage on what was a cold, gloomy and damp day in early July – not atypical of an English summer then. Images of convivial ambience, comfortable/warm seating and hot/tasty coffee served by friendly bariste/cameriere teased/stimulated the imagination. Finished with the bank, we headed directly across the street and straight into Caffe Nero. We’d been through the café in earlier times too, but not with sufficient time/interest in reviewing the place. In fact, we figured that we’d been coming/going from Guildford for >25 years given that our family had undertaken undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the University of Surrey, and long before the Caffe Nero had been there. In reality, our familiarity/knowledge of the town centre has come largely from the post-uni visits to Guildford in recent years. It is only since the post-Covid-19 years that we remember the Caffe Nero – accessibility, convenience and good value – somewhere to take a short break mid-day when in town. The café is well-placed to catch the passing foot traffic. A step up from the pavement there were tables, chairs, armchairs and benches scattered across the floor inside for perhaps 60 people. There’s also couple of tables/chairs on the pavement outside, but 03July24 was not a day for cappuccini al fresco. During our 30 minutes the place was about 40% full, with people coming and going; the majority stopping to take coffee/brioche in the cafe (in preference to those walking out with paper cups/bags in hand). The quasi-ramshackle and/or relatively dis-organized nature of the tables, chairs, etc. in the twin dining rooms that comprised the interior of the café definitely helped to provide a glimpse of Italy - immagini di un bar su un lato di una piazza in una piccola cittadina rurale in Italia. The images on the wall of older people in family groups or sharing time with friends with a backdrop of heritage buildings helped create that sense of the Mediterranean – whether in southern Italy, Sardinia, Croatia or similar places. You could hear the raised voices – everyone talking at once - and sense the pleasure of shared social time. Most people entering the cafe seemed to be accompanied by 2-3 others. The queue at the counter stretched across the floor towards the entrance and was moving relatively slowly. In reality, we had our coffee and snack in little more than 10-12 minutes – reasonable given just two people servicing the bar. There was also a single cameriere collecting used cups/plates and wiping the tables down. There were two of us - the one joining a queue of half-dozen people at the counter and the other searching for a couple of seats with a modicum of space around – that was not already dominated by others/groups. We moved twice when waiting for the coffees/snacks to be made/assembled before our corner window-seat overlooking North Street became available. Then the tray came wandering carefully across the floor – two coffees/brioche; to be left and returned for the sausage roll - that did not fit on to the tray. The latter was our primo piatto. The coffees – flat white and cappuccino - were delightful and complemented the sausage roll that was shared. Speaking with the cameriere cleaning the tables after our snack meal, we know that the filling was a mix of pork pieces within a non-meat veggie base but, that said, it … was … delicious and full of spicy flavour. And our shared dolce was fresh, sweet and tasty – contrasting the sausage roll but, equally, complementing the remains of our coffees. Unfortunately, our receipt for the meal/drinks was lost, but we figured that we had paid £10- £11 for our meal break. We also figured that it represented good value. Check out the earlier TripAdvisor reviews (for Caffe Nero North Street) – only 50 during the period Nov2015 to the present; just the one each for 2023 & 2024. Why? What about a wall notice requesting more? Of the order 30% reviews were critical – seriously so. The fair/good reviews appear to relate to the earlier years. Why? What’s changed pre- and post-Covid-19? What of the role of ‘management’ over the years? And, putting things into perspective … re-the critique of TripAdvisor reviews of recent times concerning cleanliness, poor quality coffee, broken down furniture, etc. Clearly, the majority punters have not had the pleasure of living/drinking coffee regularly in bars/cafés servicing domestic Italian communities - like the place pictured in the window on Market Street. And only 11 photos in 10 years - and then dominated by critique of the furnishings (from Sept2019). Amazing. Peter Steele 03 July 2024

Usually busy, but always manage to get a table inside, comfortable, relaxed, good service even when long queue usually served within 5 minutes, staff always polite and willing to help, only ever had drinks, not eaten here

Pretty grubby when I went in, all spare tables were just full of used cups and plates, so nowhere to sit that was clean. The bathroom was really awful and the food ( sausage roll ) was wrecked, presumably in a microwave. So white hot, that it was impossible to eat and when I finally made an attempt, it had no flavour whatsoever. I don't usually bother with big corporation coffee shops but my favourite local was closed on this day but this tells me never to use this kind of place again

The coffee is very good and so is the pastry. I had a stuffed vegan croissant and it was tremendous. It has different types of armchairs, some more comfortable than others, a window with good views of the street and a good atmosphere.

I ran in to grab a bottle of water and was shocked to find it cost £2.75! £2.75 for a bottle of water! That aside, the coffee shop was large and clean, the customer service assistant was very polite, and the overall experience was pleasant. I’ll return, but perhaps with my own bottle of water next time.

Good drinks and decant food. Staff are all very nice. The standards were a bit higher when Kyal worked as an assistant manager. All in all a good place to go sit down and grab a drink.

I went to the larger Costas as was in a rush, So efficient and good quality coffee, has the Brazilian Blend

Great customer service and atmosfere..

Handy, centrally located coffee shop with great staff. Large store, but otherwise typical Nero, which isn't bad.

It's like being served by the living dead: Zootopia-like sloth movement between chatting behind the servery whilst a queue formed. The whole place is filthy with unwiped tables. Long hair should be tied up.

Nice little.Nero on North Street. 1min walk to driving theory test centre.

This Nero is one of the best, with a spacious interior and a selection of outdoor seating. The baristas are friendly, the cafe is clean and the coffee is great.

Lots of staff behind the counter that seemed to be more interested in having their own personal conversation which made for veeeeeeery slow service. There was apparently a member of staff in the queue who took a half empty tray from the pastry counter, tottered off to the kitchen and refilled the pastries. Hygienic. The end result was a weak and over priced coffee and a very unpleasant bathroom 😔

Ok you need a hot drink and you come across Caffe Nero. Don't think of it as extraordinary, but a place to waste away some time. It feels old inside, frayed chairs, faux leather, tables in need of TLC. But who cares! Whilst there you'll be able to enjoy your hot drink with whatever snacks available and left to your thoughts undisturbed till you decide to leave. Or if with your friends to swapped life stories. Disfruta.

Music is too loud. Service can be slow, good coffee though thank you.

This coffee place offers great coffee along with plenty of seating space. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious brew in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visited Caffe Nero this morning and had a delightful experience! The warm and inviting atmosphere made for a perfect spot to enjoy my delicious pork sausage roll paired with a flavorful vanilla latte. The friendly staff created a welcoming environment, and the option to work on my laptop in peace added to the overall positive experience. Highly recommended for a cozy and productive coffee outing

The manager is really friendly and I’ve seen him be really kind to customers on a few occasions

Went into on 16th January. The place was filthy, toilets disgusting, put my friend and I off our food. Staff more interested in their own conversation than serving.

Good cup of coffee as usual. A bit light on baristas behind the counter whi h caused a back log of customers. It's a bit too early to start queuing early on a Sunday morning. Still, it was warm, and sitting down watching the world go by before heading out to the few shops that are left in Guildford was very enjoyable.

Fine cafe that opens early, temperature inside was cold mid morning, almost uncomfortable I’d say. Otherwise excellent

Nice enough coffee shop but I like the milk of my hot chocolate textured.

Very unhappy with this caffe Nero dirty cup with brown stuff on it for milk unhygienic tables ripped sofas all over usually I always go to Nero cafes but today it was disgusting won't be back in this nero not a good environment either

Stuart and Kelly do very lovely coffees they very welcoming and quick servers and they do their job with pride

I come in here most mornings with my family, I have to say I am so happy when I see Kelly here as she makes the best coffee, extra hot and foamy going all the way to the bottom of the cup, makes it worth the early visit!. occasionally get a baby chino for my children and Kelly and another young girl that I have seen on a Saturday make the nicest baby chino! Very appetising for a child, they sprinkle chocolate over it not leave like a wishy washy watery milk pot like some do make it here. Well done Kelly keep it up your great!. This is what a baby chino should look like for the others who don’t know 😉

Visited for a coffee only. Atmosphere warm, friendly & inviting. Flat White Coffee was hot, strong & good. Had to use toilet whilst there which had just been cleaned.

Friendly, welcoming and good coffee, made to how I like it. Always good service. Kyle and Stewart a special mention. Very good team of Baristas.

Friendly staff behind the counter, quick service even though they were busy. Had to share a table, but that's reasonable at 12:30 on a week day

Good place for a social catch up over coffee. Plenty of space for pushchairs etc. Service was a bit slow and coffee is expensive. The ham and cheese croissant was very tasty though.

Consistently good coffee. I really enjoyed my toastie 😊

Croissant ok. Coffee ...black no sugar ...mediocre. Service very slow. Furniture etc, very tired indeed. Maybe I'll try a smaller establishment next time.

I've just realised when I got home that my coffee this morning didn't have the pistachio shot or soy milk that I asked for, I didn't realise I had to babysit the barista into making my drink correctly..🙃 PLUS they charged me 4.20 for the privilege of an unsweetened, shotless, watery coffee. Was distracted by trying to think of how to sort out another retail dilemna..my God how hard is it to do your job correctly?! Well done I am now even more stressed out.👏 And the waitress was hovering to swipe my tray as I was taking my last coffee additiction sips 🙄. I don't understand what is wrong with people.

Ok but nothing special, the hot chocolate was a bit disappointing

Nice strong coffee taste. Definitely the best! Atmosphere ruined by kids with attitude with their feet on a table. Manager please look out for this!

The worst Nero I've been to. Understaffed, untrained, unbelievably slow

Hot coffee lungo and latte. Comfy furniture homey atmosphere quick and friendly service seems a haunt for locals in Guildford.

Love the place and the cappuccino

Not good. Dirty. There was a lipstick stain on a cup we received. Food wasn't anything special. Not worth a visit. Shared toilets. Not clean at all. Dirty tables. The windows were even more dirty. It was not a pleasure. The mirrors were not cleaned in months. At least the staff was ok, but that was it. I would kot recommend this place.

Very lovely atmosphere. Was served by someone called Lauren. She was very friendly, gave me food suggestions which I was grateful for as it was my first time visiting. I ordered and she offered to bring the food and drink to my table. Yummy food and delicious milkshake! Really recommend.

The staff here are amazing. They make me feel welcome every time my family and I come in to the store. We have made it out regular coffee shop in Guildford as a result. Brando deserves special mention for making a fantastic cappuccino. Kyle and the manager also deserve special mention for always being on the ball, never forgetting a face and great service

I have been into grab a cherry iced latte a few times recently and have had great friendly service from the young guy working there. Unfortunately I don't remember his name but the times I visited have been weekdays around 6-7pm. Thanks so much

Very average like a typical Cafe Nero

Bathroom not clean, no ice on the teal....

Visited today, great staff, helpful pleasant. I was served by the trainee Barista ( my apologies I've forgotten your name). Brilliant service, the food was fresh, coffee was great and hot. I would definitely recommend you visit. I know I will be doing 👍🏻👍🏻

It is always busy. I have been waiting in the que for 10 minutes and not going forward!

Food and drink always good here but they need a refurb. Furniture grubby and not the cleanest store in town

Waited 10 mins to be served, not because it was a little busy, but because there are 5 people on shift and only 1 of them were serving AND making drinks. It took longer because the manager and another member of staff served a mate/colleague who was at the back of the queue, heating up his porridge he didn't even pay for - instead of serving the customers who were waiting. Then I stood by the bin and waited for my coffee. Great experience.

20 mins and counting to serve 6 people in front of me. Ridiculous and not the first time.

I’m really disappointed. The almond croissant was dry and hard as though it had been left out for days, while the coffee was nowhere near what I’d expect from Nero. Coffee had a bitter taste, much like the ‘nail varnish remover’ aftertaste you’d expect from a green and white competitor. Staff, however, were lovely so they’ve got a star!

Quick service but could clean more frequently.

Friendly service. Cake was dry and mocha was to cool for my liking as was my girlfriends flat white. I learned from a local Coffee shop this is to avoid being sued for being scolded by hot coffee by those who spill it on themselves. For this reason I usually for it hot, in the knowledge that I know its going to hurt if I spill on myself for some bizarre reason.

The Windows in cafe neros have been dirty for over the past year, they have eventually managed to clean them but to no effect, the place is dirty, I have asked on several occasions for them to clean it. The customer service is wonder but the cleanliness is a let down, I will start heading across the road for my daily coffee with friends.

Needs to serve 1 person at a time only gave me half a cup of coffee ( he is training)

Got a takeaway cortado while shopping in Guildford-service quick and efficient, and coffee great!

Great for ordering ahead - do it every day for 0730 pick up and the service an coffee are superb.

Bit Shocking as I got an electric shock off the socket last week. Mocha nice and millionaire's shortbread is yummy. Just watch out if you use the sockets.

A bit dirty. Seats and tables and especially toilets.

Nice relaxing atmosphere. Great coffee. Dogs allowed in, so a good stop off after a walk along the river.

Kinda slow service that causes big queue delays The quality of coffee is not that bad But not what I would expect from Italian coffee makers

I was in here yesterday and Banyu was serving me. Very polite young man, he made my coffee perfectly and had a cute design. Sound guy.

Every morning My daughter and I go to Neros We always like our coffees extra hot, sometimes it is sometimes it is not... A new girl has started working in Neros a young charming little girl called ALINA who each and every time makes the perfect hot coffee and everything about it is perfect... she is a natural and love it when she is in as always the most perfect coffee well done

Great atmosphere, brilliant coffee and pleasant staff. A very good Cafe Nero !

When I was waiting for my coffee one member of staff sneezed on her hands and she curried making the coffee without washing her hands or sanitizer her hands when I asked her to change may coffee she started straight away to change them but without washing hands or sanitizer...I think staff should know more about hygiene...

Great tasty coffé offered and comfortable sits. The only issue are the prices wich are getting soo hight!! We are around 3£ for a small cortado and 3:20 and over £for a small Cappuccino!! Is getting a nightmare to have a decent breakfast at an affordable deal. No deals are available as greggs. Great staff and clean sits👍

Busy, not quite as efficient as some branches.

Fast service by friendly staff.

All nice ...was a very busy time when we where there

Great coffee, friendly and efficient staff, and a good range of snacks. There is plenty of comfy seating over a single floor, and although it can get busy at peak times, if you can get a seat you won't be too jammed in (compared to other coffee shops nearby)

I went into Caffè Nero last Sunday and brought drinks for my family drinks were cold. The two drinks I brought for my grandson is tasted terrible a complete waste of £14.60. I have used Caffè Nero many times before but never experience drinks like we received last Sunday lack of training or incompetence

Every time I order from here they don’t read the receipts properly so if you add syrup to your coffee they’ll probably not add it as they don’t read what they’re supposed to make.

Lovely people providing VIP service. On Saturday, the team performed admirably. Outstanding work!

Standing in line as we speak. 17:45 and 1 staff member serving a line of 6 customers. We’ve been waiting forever. The rest of the staff is more interested in stocking the shelves, the fridges, wiping down the fridge, than serving the customers standing right in front of them. This includes the manager. This work is what you’re supposed to do after close, If customers are a constant stream. Unbelievable lack of customer service.

Tired , battered appearance, limited "chain coffee shop range of food". Uncomfortable seating and lack of staff

Spacious and relaxing environment in the heart of Guildford high street. Friendly staff, would recommend :)

The Best about this coffee shop is the music. The ladies at the till are not friendly, especially the two working Friday morning. For a busy coffee shop like this one in a great location, good staff is essential.

Pretty manic outlet and a lack of smiles, coffee was very nice though.

Gave the impression of not being super clean on the floor, it was the end of the day

Lovely atmosphere nice staff good coffee

Great Caffè, lovely location and great option for a snack or a light lunch. Great coffee

Very busy shop, staff friendly and very helpful. Good place for a Coffee stop or snack if you get a seat 😆 lol

Very friendly team here. Lovely place to sit relax, enjoy a coffee, do some work on your laptop or perhaps catch up with friends and family. Below scores are out of 10 Customer Service 9 Atmosphere 8 Presentation 9 Products 9 Wifi Yes Location 9.5 Overall 9

Pleasant comfortable surroundings, slightly threadbare in places. The visit was spoiled by a filthy toilet, makes you wonder, if they can’t keep the places you can see clean, how do they keep the places you can’t see.

Dirty, slow service and only paper cups. Friendly staff probably on low pay.

Had the Americano, it was Ok Good place and ambience to work or relax

Ordered two lattes which were poor, flies on the table. Looks like yesterday’s food on floor the whole place looks like it needs a clean. Thank goodness we did not have any food there. Definitely will not go there again.

I didn't know this was a strip club

Terrible tasting coffee with milk heated way too hot and unblended. Chairs and tables tired and dirty. Only redeeming feature was the Wifi.

Tasty iced coffee! I enjoyed it with my son.

My husband is in the queue I suspect for more than 20 minutes as usual. The service is rubbish the place is dirty and the outside covered in fag butts !!! Tables have been bought in too despite the fact they’re open until 7.30 pm.

Very bitter tasting coffee, I couldn't drink it sadly.

Seating was horrid. Sat on an armchair. Service slow and kept getting bumped by the wash up girl while waiting for order. Although very busy for a Sunday. Coffee was gorgeous though so balances out.

used to love this place but were there last Thursday. Coffee ok but the whole place looks dirty, crisps all over the floor near our table, window cills looked as thught they had not been dusted for weeks. I would not want to use the loos again Have been a customer for a long while but finally feel it is time to decamp to Costas

Surrey town centre coffees shop

Always makes the best coffee. Never had any issues. Staff are always lively and happy. Got a special caramel latte yesterday with an extra shot which I have to say, made my day.

Staff were busy and tables needed clearing but they were very helpful

Team were very helpful, went out of their way to offer substitute and fast. Thank you all.

very scruffy, Cafe Nero you mist be making a fortune out of this place, you should be ashamed of the general state of the place

Very friendly staff. High traffic location so anytime during lunchtime, waits are expected. toilets at the moment are almost always not recommended to be used, perhaps they're having issues hiring staff.

A nice place to work. Most importantly, the coffee/food is also lively and the staff are quite friendly and helpful.