I tried out high street coffee shops to find the best.
I tried lattes from four different high street chains(Image: Milky Way via Getty Images)
Lattes are a popular coffee order for many people, and while I tend to favour a straightforward Americano, I do occasionally indulge in one. Much like any coffee, however, the quality of lattes can differ enormously from one coffee shop to the next.
With this in mind, I set out to sample lattes from a number of well-known chains to establish which comes out on top.
I visited my local branches of Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, and Starbucks (or ordered via Uber Eats), choosing a regular size at each and making no substitutions or additions, despite normally being tempted to add a splash of vanilla syrup to my lattes.
Pret a Manger
With just 10 minutes to spare before I needed to be elsewhere, I joined a concerningly lengthy queue at Pret to await my latte. Despite its considerable length, I was served surprisingly quickly, and the drink itself arrived within a minute or so.
At £3.75, it was the most affordable of the lattes, though costs at Pret can mount swiftly if you’re also picking up food. While it wasn’t my outright favourite, it certainly represented decent value for money.
Slightly milder than I’d have liked, and carrying a faint burnt undertone, it perhaps wasn’t anything remarkable, though it’s one I’d happily buy again — particularly if the queue moves as swiftly as it did on this occasion.
Rating: 3.5/5
Costa Coffee
Costa is the closest coffee shop to my home, and therefore the one I frequent most often, is where I go when I fancy an iced coffee or a black coffee that’s a step up from my home-brewed instant.
Priced at £4.15, it came in slightly pricier than Pret’s version, though I enjoyed it sufficiently to justify the marginal increase of under 50p.
While not as robust as I’d ideally like, this latte was nonetheless enjoyable, and one I’ll certainly order again — though perhaps with a splash of syrup next time rather than plain.
Rating: 3.75/5
Starbucks
I placed my Starbucks latte order via Uber Eats, which set me back £5 — making it the priciest of the bunch — and it had actually retained a decent temperature upon delivery. Regrettably, that’s where the positives end.
Despite commanding the highest price, this proved to be the most disappointing latte of the lot. Extremely weak, it tasted more like hot milk with just the faintest hint of coffee. It’s not one I’ll be revisiting.
Rating: 2/5
Caffè Nero
Caffè Nero’s latte came out on top as my clear favourite. At £4.15, it matched Costa’s price exactly, yet delivered a noticeably stronger brew.
Those who prefer a milder coffee would be better served by Costa, but for those like me who need it stronger, Caffè Nero is the place to head.
My sole gripe was that it arrived considerably hotter than the others, and I very nearly scalded my tongue on the first sip. After allowing it to cool for a couple of minutes, however, it was virtually faultless.
Rating: 4.5/5
Conclusion
Of the four lattes sampled, the only one I would steer clear of is Starbucks’. The remaining three all had their merits and each suits a different type of coffee drinker.
After a more affordable option? Pret is the one to go for. Prefer something with a bolder kick? Caffe Nero is your best bet. Want something milder but still enjoyable? Head to Costa Coffee.
