Today I really felt like coffee and a slice of carrot cake. So I went out in search of a likely cafe and subsequently was exposed to the worst cafe experience I’ve had in Melbourne in the last 5 years. However, instead of moan about it I decided I would do something useful and write list of things which contribute to a good cafe experience. Because God knows there’s enough people moaning about things on the internet. I swear I’ll never let my blog sink to that level.
I’m not claiming to be a cafe expert or anything, but I have spent a fair amount of time in them over the years ;) This list isn’t in any particular order, I think each of these things is equally important in establishing a nice atmosphere and cafe experience.
1) Make sure there’s enough space. Space for customers, space for decent tables. Customers waiting for take away coffees should have enough space to stand without the customers at tables getting someone’s bum in their face :P
2) Employ competent staff. I don’t care if your auntie’s brother’s sister’s boyfriend’s niece can make coffee, you shouldn’t employ them if they’re not able to interact with people without scowling at them. Also, there’s a big difference between being able to make coffee and being able to make good coffee
3) Make sure there’s atleast two staff at all times. A customer shouldn’t have to wait 2mins to be served when there’s only 5 people in the cafe and only one staff member making coffees and taking orders.
4) Do not have a bell/beeper on the door. It is so annoying.
5) If you’re going to provide your patrons with newspapers to read while they drink their coffee (and I highly recommend it), make sure the tables are big enough. There are few things more frustrating than trying to read a broadsheet on a tiny table.
6) Do not play pop rock or the radio. Music is fine but it should be low key stuff that isn’t likely to offend. People don’t go to cafes to listen to songs they would hear in a nightclub.
7) Use a decent brand (and grade) of coffee. I don’t go to places that advertise as selling Vittoria/Lavazza/Grinders/Dimattina/etc any more. A decent brand in Melbourne is Veneziano. I went on a tour of the place they roast their beans and they really know their stuff.
8) Provide water for your customers. Even if aren’t providing table service you should have a couple of jugs of cold water and glasses in a convenient place for your customers to drink.
9) Sell carrot cake. Seriously. Carrot cake + coffee = bliss, they are perfect together.
The cafe I was at today did none of the above things. None. It was awful. I guarantee that if you do all of the above simple things you will have people flocking to your cafe, and they will leave happy, and come back again.
Other good but not obligatory things:
1) Open at 7am and stay open until atleast 8pm everyday.
2) Do a good range of juice. Not just orange and apple. Cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit and tomato are good as well.
3) Provide newspapers for the customers to read, and not just the Herald Sun.
4) Outdoor seating can be really good, depending on location (not too close to a busy road otherwise the customers will be breathing fumes).
What other things contribute to a good cafe experience?
Yes! I totally agree.
I think I’ll name some names here. Firstly, Baretto’s is really really annoying. They have table service, but not for coffee. So people getting takeaway and people having there both have to wait in the same space. And then you have to find a seat whilst holding a coffee!
The place outside the Law building does this much better; theres more space to wait. Waiting for your coffee is fine, as long as there is sufficient space.
The two staff rule is a damn good rule.
Space! To wait! One place that really _sucks_ at this is near uni, where theres no waiting/sitting and enjoying space separation. Very annoying.
Providing water is also a massive plus, I totally agree. Sometimes you need water to parch your thirst, and coffee for the caffeine.
Also, carrot cake is good. I should eat it more often.