Coffee Republic feature in today's Business section caught my eye. Although I'm not surprised they're in trouble, I was interested to learn that founder Hashemi is credited with bringing the American coffee bar experience to the UK. Something seems to have been lost in translation.

I went into one last year for the first time. My usual first-choice Caffe Nero was too crowded. Although the interior of Coffee Republic ticked most of the Seattle boxes, something was not quite right. The track lighting bleached out the fixtures and threw the general mess and chaos into high relief. The clientele, despite the location's proximity to London, looked like a cross-section of Little Britain minus the laughs. What really set me off, however, were the multiple issues of The Daily Mail scattered about. While I'm no fan of Starbucks, at least they know how to layer a vibe. Rest in peace, Coffee Republic.

Am enjoying a lazy Sunday. I'm determined to finish Hester Browne's latest this afternoon!