Caffe Gusto

I arrived at 6pm and although they close at 7pm everything (and everybody) was getting ready to leave. I had to go across the street to use the toilet, and at 6.30 the coffee machine was already clean. The staff tries to sound nice, but they clearly hate their job (or their boss?). The toasties aren’t remotely worth the price and the flapjack was too dry. The cappuccino was pretty nice, but not enough to make me come back.

I’ve never really enjoyed chain shops and stores for their lack of individuality. Going into the same looking place wherever you are in the country is for me more distressing than comforting. It is a good thing then that Caffe Gusto changes its style for its location.
On this busy corner of Bristol just across from the hectic Hippodrome it’s clear one of their main clientele base is the local student population. Beans on toast for just £1.95 is a must have for any student. And in such a people watching location you can really kick back and watch it all go by. Chuck in some delicious kiwi fruit yoghurts and a vanilla frappé and you never have reason to leave this distinctly cool and unique Caffe Gusto.
P. s. Don’t leave without trying the Caribbean Smoothie. Very Caribbean and very smooth.

Café Gusto promised to be something great but I was very disappointed when I eventually made a visit. It’s decievingly small inside and there is almost always a large queue at the till.
At the time I visited, they were advertising a very elaborate smoothie which I tried and it was really not nice! Furthermore there was nowhere to sit apart from these high metal stools. It kind of feels that the place has been half finished. I am sorry to say that I don’t think I will be returning.

I must admit, I don’t like this pace at all. It’s got such a prime location, right smack in the centre, where Baldwin Street meets Corn Street, but it pales in comparison to the numerous other coffee houses in this area. My main gripe is that there is nowhere to bloody sit, except a few high, uncomfortable stools in a breakfast-​bar-​style arrangement by the windows. I guess they want you to grab something and get the hell out of there, but if you want that with much friendlier service and a clean conscience, you’d head 30 yards over the road to the Fair Trade wagon. And if you do want somewhere to sit and relax, you’d head around the corner to the Red Café on Corn Street. Yes, avoid this place, unless you’re after a generic, but uncomfortable, experience.

Caffe Gusto is a blossoming little Bristol based coffee chain, this branch being situated opposite the Hippodrome in the centre of town. This is a siesta branch, meaning it opens at night and has a license to sell alcohol.
The Caffe Gusto chain itself resembles another Costa/​Starbucks etc.-like chain, the bright red décor and booths giving it a lightly American feel. I’m not sure I like the atmosphere as much as some other cafes, but their strong coffee certainly does the trick!

On the Corner of Corn street, this small but cosy café serves a really good double espresso. Perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch or a post work snack, there’s usually some kind of salsa playing in the background too! For each coffee bought, you can usually get a croissant or a muffin free of charge which makes this place incredible value for money!