Caffe Nero

I know I’m going to be accused of being a total heathen, but I kinda really like the code in Caffe Nero. Not too bitter, but nice and strong.
I like this branch in particular for these reasons:
Free WiFi
Friendly and fast staff
Caramel shortcake is awesome
Play classical music in the mornings
There’s a knitting group that meets here every Sunday
Their soya milk tastes good with the coffee — unlike some competitors
I hate:
The extreme heat prevents me from sitting in most of the time now — I did ask about it and was told the heating system was broken, but that was months ago and it’s just as bad.

Is it weird to review a Nero? Maybe, but I feel like this one deserves it.
The weather outside had become suddenly and very typically Glaswegian (hail in July? Sure, why not?) So I took refuge and ordered a cheese and tomato panini and a large skinny latte. Little secret: I’m watching my calorie intake at the moment and I have quickly discovered that skinny lattes are either perfect or poison. This one was perfect. I once had one in the Edinburgh airport branch of Nero that literally tasted of ash, but that’s another story.
The panini was nicely toasted and contained mozzarella as well as cheddar (nice bit of stretchy cheese satisfaction there). Pretty fair for £2.95 in the town centre. Came quickly enough too, given the rush of customers they got when the heavens opened.
Bonus points for free WiFi and a complimentary hot drink for O2 customers on weekdays after 10 am. I am nothing if not a bargain hunter.
So yeah, it’s just a chain coffee shop. Yeah, there are better independent versions elsewhere in the city centre and the West End. Yeah, it is probably a bit weird to review a Nero. However, if you get caught in bad weather when you’re shopping on Buchanan Street, you could do a lot worse.