Starbucks

You're heading down to Capital Quay, that strip of restaurants and bars along the water in Salford, and you fancy a coffee before meeting mates. This Starbucks does the job—it's got that corporate efficiency you expect, but the location by the quay actually lifts it a bit. Fair-trade espresso drinks, the usual pastry selection, and it's positioned where you can actually watch the water rather than stare at a car park. Not exactly revolutionary, but when you're in the Quays and need caffeine without the fuss, it delivers. The 3.7 rating suggests people appreciate its reliability more than its charm.