Caffe Nero - North Down

I'm a regular customer but oh my how the standards are dropping . One customer who walks right behind the counter and is given the telephone to use as his personal phone . Then proceeds to insult anyone around him . It has actually put me off visiting the shop . The staff who are friendly to all don't seem to have any control of this person's forward behaviour . .. definitely not be visiting again

I have to say something. I have been coming here for years. Pleasant and friendly staff, great coffee and always a familiar face to sit with if I'm on my own. BUT recently the staff have been slow and dour looking. I had to ask for a plate and knife for my pastry as it was just plonked on the tray. It seems Holywood is not the only shop either. I went to the one in Newtownards and was told I had to have a paper cup even though I was sitting in. I'm sorry but I like to have a proper cup to enjoy my coffee. In these times of numerous coffee shops to choose from Neros needs to check itself and bring back the standards patrons are used to.

I visited Cafe Nero today and not long after arriving, I witnessed a young female customer take a seizure and yell for help. A young barista came from behind the counter and sat with her reassuring her until she came out of the episode. She was so attentive, caring and warm towards the girl, phoned the customers mum, made her a fresh cup of coffee and said she would sit with her until her mum arrived. I was touched by her lovely manner and my faith in humanity has been restored!

Met a relative there on a Sunday morning for a coffee. The staff were disinterested and noisy. A young man behind the counter was washing dishes and a bull in a china shop would have gone through quieter. Even my relative who is normally a placid person was going to complain as we couldn't hear each other speaking. Eventually the youth dropped some dishes which smashed all over the place and the seemed to put paid to the racket. Then next to us the village idiot seemed to have arrived, he wanted to introduce himself to everybody, especially two English women sat chatting. His voice was loud and embarrassing to say the least. First and only time I would set foot in the place, Avoid it.

I meet my friend here today and we had a lovely long undisturbed catchup. This Cafe Nero is really central to the lovely small seaside town of Holywood. It is easily accessible by local trains , buses and private transport. Staff very friendly and non intrusive.