Costa Coffee, Dorking

I dunno! Dorking finally gets its Costa Coffee. In the past we have had to put up with cafe's like Browns Cafe - a favourite on here - not. Then Fothergils opened in St Martins Walk and after a shaky start has become very popular. When it opened a few people on here, including myself, commented that it, although well decorated, was dull, dark and got away with charging high prices whilst offering limited stock due mainly to lack of competition.

Dorking has always suffered from independent retailers overcharging and still reaping the rewards.

Since the opening of Fothergils there were calls for a 'proper' coffee chain to open in the town and after many rumours Costa has finally opened. I haven't been in there yet but am disappointed by its position in the town. I feel that unit, whilst still boasting an impressive shop front is simply the wrong place for this type of outlet. I don't know what it is, maybe it is the angle of the street, but it just doesn't feel right. People will often look past it.

I always felt that that position would most suit an upmarket bar, somewhere which would suit the restaurant goers who don't fancy the pubs - and there are many of them. This type of establishment would get noticed at night and become something which would enhance the towns nightlife.

I agree with many people who say that they often do not come to dorking for a meal because it doesn't offer a bar with a suitable atmosphere to have a drink before or after the meal.