Starbucks

Costello’s Poster

Really impressed with the customer service.Whenever possible they go the extra mile and bring my order over. Friendly and helpful.

Joules

A busy drive through but we decided to park. We took a table inside and enjoyed a relaxing welcomed break. Lovely coffee as usual with whole milk . Our visit on a Saturday afternoon, it was quiet and pleasant. Staff are polite and friendly the place is spacious, neat and tidy.

Thomas Cartmell

Early morning coffee stop on way to the airport. Clean and tidy, friendly staff and great coffee. Always a good experience here.

Café focused in drive through custom so plenty of seating available. Pleasant service. Did get given take-out cups despite answering the question "sitting in"...

Unfortunately similar experience to other reviewers. The guy behind till / cleaning the shop floor was lovely and attentive. Ordered a hot drink, which took a while to make despite no one else from the cafe ordering anything at that time - massively prioritised drive-through over drink-in customers. That would be fine if there weren't three baristas behind the bar and only one actually making the drinks (the others seemed to be busy doing tasks that you usually do when no customers around). No cream on my coffee despite being explicitly asked - I wasn't very confident that I was served what I had ordered. Branch seems to be poorly managed.

Coffee was fine. But the place needs a damn good clean. Furniture stained, worn and tired. No wonder it was nearly empty. Very disappointed in you Starbucks! Must try harder.

When our drinks were being made they take forever to make the drink and always mess up the order and this frustrated me a lot I love the cake pops but have found a way better Starbucks than this and it needs a lot of work done. It's NEVER OPEN how are you going to make money when it's always shut me and my family come down here to get a coffee and what a surprise it not open this is absolutely ridiculous.

There were two ppl sat down and we placed our order, also about four ppl behind us, so not really busy, four staff behind the counter. Our food was done really quickly, but the drinks however were not, out of our three drinks two were not done and then made wrong, other orders were fulfilled before ours, which isn't great, had to wait a good 30 mins for our order to be correct, two of us ate our food, other one of us waiting for drinks. It was an insane amount of time to get the order correct, staff probably need to be trained properly and less talking amongst themselves. It was such an easy order, 3 toasties, 1 tea, 1 latte, and 1 iced caramel drink.

Zero atmosphere, dirty untidy retail park location. Feels like an office, too much work chatter and noise, dirty seats. Worse Starbucks I've been too, let's the brand down unfortunately.

The usual Starbucks shed experience - the team do well despite the space

Helpful staff and a decent coffee shop. However, today I went through the drive-in and asked if I could use my re-usable cup and was told yes. Maybe I was being naive/stupid (don't answer!) but I was a little shocked when they simply poured it from a paper cup into my reusable cup and then threw the paper cup in the bin. Had I known they were going to do that, I would just have gone in the store, which I will do from now on. I asked them why they didn't tell me it wouldn't make any difference. It was the first (and last!) time I'd used the drive through. I felt like I was banging my head on a brick wall.

Called in twice over the past week, the first time I found the shop was open but not prepared for service with no pastry's or breakfast choices. Surely if a cafe is open it should be ready to serve!! Staff are ok, polite and friendly. Coffee was good both times.

Came into the cafe, my order was quickly taken but I stood and waited at the end of the counter for 10 minutes for my drink. Staff seemed to be busying themselves with drive thru orders & completely ignored that I was still standing there until I made myself known. My drink had been made & was just sitting on the side. No apology, the servers just laughed. Not great.

Overpriced. None of the three staff were talking to each other at all. I was there for half an hour and not a word spoken between them and they seemed a distinct animosity between them. Tables were not cleared and wiped and it wasn't very busy.

The place is always fairly empty, which is nice, but tables tend to be left with rubbish on them for a long time when staff stand around chatting. The chairs were stained and the floor had crumbs under a lot of the tables. Coffee was nice though and a quiet place to meet friends. Just need to keep on top of the cleaning.

BlackRatJan

The place is always fairly empty, which is nice, but tables tend to be left with rubbish on them for a long time when staff stand around chatting. The chairs were stained and the floor had crumbs under a lot of the tables. Coffee was nice though and a quiet place to meet friends. Just need to keep on top of the cleaning.

It's okay. Nothing special and not the best interior and seating, possibly as it's more geared towards drive-through trade. Could definitely be cleaner inside. Service is friendly enough but on some occasions I've found them a bit slow or they've messed up my order. Lack of bike parking is an odd oversight since this one is right amongst shops, workplaces and housing, but I found a railing. If I were the manager I'd aim at being better than the nearby Costa, which this place isn't at the moment.

I’m bored with the rinse & repeat nature of these kinds of coffee places. The muffin was over sweet and over processed - it was ok for this kind of place but not worth the money in my opinion It was expensive for the quality and portion sizes - but it was in line with similar chains elsewhere.

Stopped in for a coffee on Saturday and could immediately see how short-staffed the place was. One young blonde employee was doing almost everything, taking orders, making drinks, and seemed to be taking orders on the headset yet still stayed calm, efficient and professional. Unfortunately, a young male employee on shift didn’t seem to be very helpful or engaged, which made the workload feel uneven. I really appreciate the effort and attitude of the young lady who stepped up yesterday. Management should take note of how hard this lady works and see that the overall teamwork of this place definitely needs some improvement

Graham Read

I’m bored with the rinse & repeat nature of these kinds of coffee places. The muffin was over sweet and over processed - it was ok for this kind of place but not worth the money in my opinion It was expensive for the quality and portion sizes - but it was in line with similar chains elsewhere.

Bob Smith

It's okay. Nothing special and not the best interior and seating, possibly as it's more geared towards drive-through trade. Could definitely be cleaner inside. Service is friendly enough but on some occasions I've found them a bit slow or they've messed up my order. Lack of bike parking is an odd oversight since this one is right amongst shops, workplaces and housing, but I found a railing. If I were the manager I'd aim at being better than the nearby Costa, which this place isn't at the moment.

Alexandra Davidson

Came into the cafe, my order was quickly taken but I stood and waited at the end of the counter for 10 minutes for my drink. Staff seemed to be busying themselves with drive thru orders & completely ignored that I was still standing there until I made myself known. My drink had been made & was just sitting on the side. No apology, the servers just laughed. Not great.

very expensive, also got order wrong two times. ordered a hot sandwich and caramel frappe, hot sandwich came but was waiting about 10 minutes for the frappe until i asked about it, they hadn’t even started making it, then when it came out it came with cream even though i asked for no cream. overall not a good experience, although the sandwich was good it was not worth the price, also very uncomfortable seats with no backs so won’t be returning

Staff were not very friendly with customers which didn't make me feel comfortable. I noted that staff didn't prioritise cleaning up tables/floors. Environment appeared run down and not well cared for. Did not notice any gluten free food options although I may have missed them and I didn't ask.

The staff were but they completely got both my drink and food order wrong even though they weren’t busy. They all seemed a bit distracted and didn’t take any care of doing my order.

Unfriendly staff. I've used drive thru a few times and each time didn't get a cream even though it was paid for. Have to ask for straws or sugar and things like this when they should come with the coffee. Last time went inside and again staff are only interested in getting the order out of the way and and will walk away before you pick it up so cant even say thank you. Understandable when it's busy but it surely was not on this occasion.

How hard is it to get the order right. We said twice 1x pumpkin spice latte no whipped cream 1x double choc frappe with a shot of coffee We then went to the window and the girl read out our order which was wrong. She said a double choc frappe, Pumpkin spice latte and a Pumpkin cup. so for the third time I said what the order should be. We end up with a double choc frappe with no coffee, a terrible latte no pumpkin spice and a pumpkin cup. We paid £11 something for the wrong order. Bit disappointed as I've always said Starbucks is the best.

Ione Robertson

How hard is it to get the order right. We said twice 1x pumpkin spice latte no whipped cream 1x double choc frappe with a shot of coffee We then went to the window and the girl read out our order which was wrong. She said a double choc frappe, Pumpkin spice latte and a Pumpkin cup. so for the third time I said what the order should be. We end up with a double choc frappe with no coffee, a terrible latte no pumpkin spice and a pumpkin cup. We paid £11 something for the wrong order. Bit disappointed as I've always said Starbucks is the best.

Miserable staff not smiling or approachable: it was quiet there:they weren't rushed off their feet: ordered banana nut cake which was bone dry: wasn't offered a refund or another cake

Coffee not served in cups/mugs, only takeaway cardboard cups; “due to shortness of staff” and yet there were 4 members of staff working - more than required surely? The drive-through was closed as well!? Manager covered in rings/tattoos (face and neck) and looked like she needed a good wash! Not really a good example of Starbucks standards tbh!

Laughing Italian

Coffee not served in cups/mugs, only takeaway cardboard cups; “due to shortness of staff” and yet there were 4 members of staff working - more than required surely? The drive-through was closed as well!? Manager covered in rings/tattoos (face and neck) and looked like she needed a good wash! Not really a good example of Starbucks standards tbh!

Rhian Painter

Miserable staff not smiling or approachable: it was quiet there:they weren't rushed off their feet: ordered banana nut cake which was bone dry: wasn't offered a refund or another cake

On one of the busiest industrial estates in Exeter and on one of busiest roads in and out of the city and this branch closes at 4.30 - how shortsighted is that? You are missing so much trade as I have given up counting the number of vehicles who have turned in Starbucks only to find the drive through is blocked and the outlet closed - it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to lip read the expletives from prospective customers and that includes two police officers ! I doubt if staff shortage is a reason as there are currently seven working If you can’t extend your opening hours to suit the customers at least have the common sense to turn off the drive through and other outsides lights so it is obvious you are closed. Very disappointed

A coffee shop on the way into a city centre that doesn’t open until 8:30am! Couldn’t believe it. First person in the shop, tables dirty from yesterday, floor had food on it and soft seating had dog hair on it. Place was freezing cold with air con on chill with outside temperature 8c. Not short of staff though, I counted 5 working. Poor management from the top down. Won’t use again.

This branch is so hilariously terrible. It's almost impossible to get an order without mistakes, the staff are unwelcoming, the place is often filthy and they're slow, oh boy are they slow. They seem to prioritise the drive-through so you can stand there watching car after car get served while you wait an eternity for a single cup of coffee. A cup of coffee that probably isn't what you ordered anyway. I just stopped going altogether. Go over the road to the Costa to see the difference in staff.

Ordered two filter( brew) coffee tall size and a muffin, still water Got two latte. Asked why, and they told me they don’t have any coffee beans for Filter coffee, something they did not informed me when I placed and paid Offered Americano, espresso w hot water instead. Would have appriciated if have known what they can offer and not just take own decisions to change.. Looked up reviews and found that I am not alone.. looks like a ”Starbucks Nightmare branch” Store manager was hostile and not customer friendly at all. This store is NOT representative for a Starbucks experience.. I am a huge Starbucks fan elsewhere.

I don't know whether it's new staff or not, but the last 3 times they have gotten the order wrong. They give us vanilla lattes instead of normal lattes. Not impressed. Used to love this Starbucks. We visit this Starbucks all the time so I hope it gets better.

This would and could be a really good service for Starbucks lovers but unfortunately your hardly ever open! Which to me seem a waste of such a great facility and location. It could be amazing but sadly it really isn't. The opening times are ridiculous! The amount of times I've been wanting a coffee and it's shut when I've gone over. Needs sorting out ASAP! Could be a making good money but can't see it is like this! Very disappointing

Poor service. Asked for my drink to be extra hot, but instead it was just warm. Ordered porridge which when he handed it too me was less than half full. Had to go back to the counter to get proper receipts and not ones that told me what my Starbucks card balance was. Overall poor service.

Have been here several times. Staff are very young and slow. They are always chatting to each other and seem blind that theres a queue of people waiting to be served. Also the drive through option is closed alot in the morning. Have been to Starbucks in NYC and they live and breathe the job , our staff need to wake up , no customer skills, no time management, infact have walked out several times as been waiting 10- 15 minutes for a coffee. I would give zero stars .....

Never open on time. Very frustrating, when its advertised and you make a trip to location before work

First and last visit to this place. Dirty, grumpy staff member, and the tea wasn't nice.

Ordered a drink with coconut milk and was asked if it was allergy or preference ??? I said allergy and then they said they can’t serve me, I then said it’s not an allergy, they took my money , then came back and said we don’t have that milk, both toilets out or order Hahaah

Starbucks Exeter Alphington Road, 16.01.2026 13:25: Ordered drink for seat in and we received them in disgusting paper cups without any explanation because it was easier for them. When I mentioned it to the staff they were just smiling and laughing behind the counter and no apologies or anything at all. The drinks ended up in the bin. Wasted time and wasted money. Congratulations for the manager for this bad team culture and complacency. Never coming to this Starbucks again.

I visited today and was hoping to spend my stars on a couple of coffees. On approaching Faye, who had zero interest in serving, I asked for oat shaken espresso however no sugar in it. To which she replied you have to have sugar as it is in the syrup. I politely added I didn’t want the syrup of course. I then ordered the limited edition Snoopy drink. I was advised I cannot use my stars as they weren’t enough for the order. So I paid, which also seemed like too much effort. Zero smile. Zero sparkle. Zero customer service. My pay shaken espresso was made by another employee and Faye proceeded to slowly make the snoopy one. Once they were ready I noted no caramel on the top like the picture, the girl on the headset sniggered and something was whispered to which the three girls giggled. My drink was then handed to me with no politeness or care. Sadly Dan who has served me previously was only just walking onto the floor when this had happened else I would have flagged my dissatisfaction at that time. Faye, get a job away from people as you are clearly too important to be serving drinks to paying customers who in turn pay your wages.

I went to the Starbucks at Alphington Rd, Exeter EX2 8JD. I ordered my iced brown sugar shaken espresso with little ice, and extra shot with topped up with oat milk. The staff here were so rude and would not top up my drink with oat milk. Now it tastes too strong, it's not drinkable and I'm having to purchase oat milk from a shop at an additional cost of £1.70 to top up my drink. This has never happened before, whenever I've order this drink at other Starbucks they have always been happy to top up my drink with oat milk. I spend thousands of pounds a year at Starbucks and have been a Gold member for a couple years now, I'm disappointed in this service I've received today. The staff need training in customer service.

Gabor Pinter

Starbucks Exeter Alphington Road, 16.01.2026 13:25: Ordered drink for seat in and we received them in disgusting paper cups without any explanation because it was easier for them. When I mentioned it to the staff they were just smiling and laughing behind the counter and no apologies or anything at all. The drinks ended up in the bin. Wasted time and wasted money. Congratulations for the manager for this bad team culture and complacency. Never coming to this Starbucks again.

Alexandria Hopkinson

I went to the Starbucks at Alphington Rd, Exeter EX2 8JD. I ordered my iced brown sugar shaken espresso with little ice, and extra shot with topped up with oat milk. The staff here were so rude and would not top up my drink with oat milk. Now it tastes too strong, it's not drinkable and I'm having to purchase oat milk from a shop at an additional cost of £1.70 to top up my drink. This has never happened before, whenever I've order this drink at other Starbucks they have always been happy to top up my drink with oat milk. I spend thousands of pounds a year at Starbucks and have been a Gold member for a couple years now, I'm disappointed in this service I've received today. The staff need training in customer service.

Becky-Anne

I visited today and was hoping to spend my stars on a couple of coffees. On approaching Faye, who had zero interest in serving, I asked for oat shaken espresso however no sugar in it. To which she replied you have to have sugar as it is in the syrup. I politely added I didn’t want the syrup of course. I then ordered the limited edition Snoopy drink. I was advised I cannot use my stars as they weren’t enough for the order. So I paid, which also seemed like too much effort. Zero smile. Zero sparkle. Zero customer service. My pay shaken espresso was made by another employee and Faye proceeded to slowly make the snoopy one. Once they were ready I noted no caramel on the top like the picture, the girl on the headset sniggered and something was whispered to which the three girls giggled. My drink was then handed to me with no politeness or care. Sadly Dan who has served me previously was only just walking onto the floor when this had happened else I would have flagged my dissatisfaction at that time. Faye, get a job away from people as you are clearly too important to be serving drinks to paying customers who in turn pay your wages.

If I could give a zero star rating that’s what it would be. 1 star is far too good We have visited this place twice now & both times left without our drinks! The staff are argumentative, rude & very unhelpful ALWAYS the same excuse it’s staff training The manager wasn’t too bad when approached but honestly don’t bother with this place It was also untidy, the floor & tables were dirty The other stores in Exeter are so good compared to this place. All training should be done in either of the other stores definitely not this 1 I will never go in here again

Summer is a very rude person (never would call her a young lady, because she is far from being a lady) and no knowledge at all.. Is it a Starbucks, really!? Noel is very nice guy though.

Starbucks seriously sort your staff out and take note of these reviews! They are so rude and clearly don’t want to be there! My wife wanted to use her Starbucks card but was just handed the receipt. My son’s drink was so badly made he had a couple of sips, unfortunately we had driven away, otherwise I would have returned it. I won’t be going back, Costa is across the road.

Very poor experience today, 2 coffees ordered both cups were dirty asked from them to be replaced in a takeaway cup Edward said the only way it could be remade was if I bought another one! Needless to say will not be visiting again

Horrendous service and approach from staff. Just been served by Meg. Ordered an iced strawberry flavour coconut drink (literally coconut milk with flavouring and ice). Asked for less ice due to my teeth being sensitive. Never been a problem before at any other Starbucks. She gave me the drink with loads of ice in and when I explained I had wanted only a tiny bit of ice she basically shrugged and put the top on. To which I asked her to scoop some of the ice out. She did this which then left the container about a quarter empty. When I asked if she could please top up with coconut milk she point blank refused. When I said I didn’t want to pay £5.35 for 3/4 of a drink she said there was nothing she could do about it and refused again. I took a refund instead. Absolutely disgusting expecting someone to pay £5.35 for only part of a drink just because they don’t want ice. And for it to be dealt with such rudeness as well. Wouldn’t bother going here

R B

Summer is a very rude person (never would call her a young lady, because she is far from being a lady) and no knowledge at all.. Is it a Starbucks, really!? Noel is very nice guy though.

Natalie Mason

Never open on time. Very frustrating, when its advertised and you make a trip to location before work

Jason Morrison

Starbucks seriously sort your staff out and take note of these reviews! They are so rude and clearly don’t want to be there! My wife wanted to use her Starbucks card but was just handed the receipt. My son’s drink was so badly made he had a couple of sips, unfortunately we had driven away, otherwise I would have returned it. I won’t be going back, Costa is across the road.

April Ballard

Ordered a drink with coconut milk and was asked if it was allergy or preference ??? I said allergy and then they said they can’t serve me, I then said it’s not an allergy, they took my money , then came back and said we don’t have that milk, both toilets out or order Hahaah

Clairey Bright

Horrendous service and approach from staff. Just been served by Meg. Ordered an iced strawberry flavour coconut drink (literally coconut milk with flavouring and ice). Asked for less ice due to my teeth being sensitive. Never been a problem before at any other Starbucks. She gave me the drink with loads of ice in and when I explained I had wanted only a tiny bit of ice she basically shrugged and put the top on. To which I asked her to scoop some of the ice out. She did this which then left the container about a quarter empty. When I asked if she could please top up with coconut milk she point blank refused. When I said I didn’t want to pay £5.35 for 3/4 of a drink she said there was nothing she could do about it and refused again. I took a refund instead. Absolutely disgusting expecting someone to pay £5.35 for only part of a drink just because they don’t want ice. And for it to be dealt with such rudeness as well. Wouldn’t bother going here

Tracey Retter

If I could give a zero star rating that’s what it would be. 1 star is far too good We have visited this place twice now & both times left without our drinks! The staff are argumentative, rude & very unhelpful ALWAYS the same excuse it’s staff training The manager wasn’t too bad when approached but honestly don’t bother with this place It was also untidy, the floor & tables were dirty The other stores in Exeter are so good compared to this place. All training should be done in either of the other stores definitely not this 1 I will never go in here again