Coffee Republic in Colchester

Popped in for a bite to eat. Panini and coffee both very good. Friendly staff and well priced . Would return.

This franchise started off great only to fall quite badly, I walk past there regularly now and barely see anyone in there (one beggars to ask is it making any money)? When it first opened it was quite revolutionary and relaxing. Then came quite a few changes of staff and there was a negative air about the place that became so unwelcoming. I cant see the point in plastering the windows with head office promoted special offers, only to get your head bitten off every time one asks about them. The £2.99p drink and cake deal is getting smaller by the month, the tray bake cakes always look stale and the sizes are turning into mini bite portions. The 50% off after 5pm deal is slowly becoming a type of mirage joke, every-time Ive asked about 5pm 50% off deals Ive been told its all sold out. (Please take the poster or notice down if that is the case. The seating areas are looking shabby not cleaned and unkept. Staff are there to serve customers and are not there at the behest of the employees. What was the point in issuing a free stamp card if you had to ask to have your card stamped every-time, including that begrudged look when the free one came around? Franchise started off great only to fall quite significantly. There's so much potential here spoilt by lack of fore thought. My own opinion or personal perception based on a paying customer, may contain spoilers.

We stopped off here briefly during our tour of the town centre of Colchester to escape the bitter wind and grab a light bite with a coffee. At the counter towards the back of this little cafe we ordered two huge mugs of coffee latte and had a couple of paninis warmed through. Mine was a crispy bacon with brie cheese - my wife's the more classic ham and cheese. We sat in two comfy arm chairs by the window and really enjoyed our little break from traipsing around the town centre getting cold on a late April Saturday.