Usually, Starbucks is my fave hideout (in Toronto) from the world when I want to study. But this one is so full of noise pollution: the blender from making fraps, the high traffic -probably cos it's located right outside a subway station, and the staff... Heard of the idiom: the empty can makes the loudest noise? Well this phrase applies in this case!
Argh... When did Starbucks become so common? Actually, no, scratch that: when did Starbucks cater towards loudmouths who won't shut up (staff and patrons alike)? It used to be a place where intellectuals would sit and read or people watch quietly. The jazzy soft music that still plays is supposed to help reinforce that type of environment. And the loud machines used to make good coffee drinks are also contributing to the degeneration of the original Starbucks environment... The drinks are still somewhat good, I would use the word 'acceptable' at most. Hey, I still buy coffee at Starbucks weekly!
For a franchise that more or less invented modern coffee culture and it coolness appeal... It is currently killing it... And it probably doesn't know it!
Dammit... I need to find a new place to read and enjoy good coffee in peace (in Toronto)!