Verdict: "The latte and the cappuccino are exactly identical. The only difference is that the cappuccino has some chocolate on it and is in a different coloured cup. If you are going to put two coffees on the menu with different names then you should try and make them different.
"I am more inclined to forgive Pret because unlike these other chains, they are not saying, 'We are the coffee experts," and it is only £1.15, but still, for that price they should be able to get it right."
Costa Coffee, Old Compton Street Order: macchiato, cappuccino, iced latte, espresso and a mocachino. Price: £7.85
Service: the drinks were pleasantly presented in china and glasses. The barista (coffee maker) was helpful and informative.
Verdict: "The espresso has a very good flavour. Again, the taste is not strong enough in the cappuccino and the latte. But, other than that, it is not too bad. The froth on the cappuccino is just about perfect as well."
Coffee Republic, Garrick Street Order: one latte, one cappuccino, one espresso Price £3.30
Service: awful. Staff were surly, intimidating and unhelpful. A Starbucks-style system is in operation, where customers have to order their drinks at one counter and collect them from another.
Verdict: "The very worst thing about this cappuccino is that the froth is cold, which is hardly a turn-on. It's like drinking shaving foam. Part of the reason latte has become so popular is because people are fed up of being served appalling cappuccinos like this. The problem is that people are subliminally intimidated to complain and say, 'Make me another.' They don't have that problem when a pint of beer is short or too cloudy."
Bar Italia, Frith Street Order: one cappuccino, one latte Price £3.20
Service: excellent. Bar Italia is a Soho institution and lives up to its reputation.
Verdict: Mr Salvoni is the first to admit favouritism here - his mother, Elena, used to run a restaurant above it. He said it served "proper" Italian coffee, adding: "The foam on the cappuccino is firm and warm, just as it should be. The drinks are all presented well."
Barista Rossi "Fivehands" Cinquemani explained: "It really is not difficult if you know what you are doing. A lot of it is to do with the temperature of the milk. In a lot of these coffee places they use a temperature gauge, but I just do it by eye. I can tell when it is ready."
