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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 4:50:22 GMT
Firstly - I completely understand meeting up with friends, sitting down and enjoying a coffee & catching up...that's not what I'm talking about.
We've all been in various lockdowns on and off during this pandemic, and here (Melbourne) we currently are again.
According to out local Govt - only 5 reasons to leave home - essential workers/grocery shopping/exercise 2hrs day/getting medical care/getting vaccinated
Today I went for my vaccine (2nd one...yay for me!) & on the way went past several coffee shops, one had 9 people standing out the front of it.
Really? Getting a coffee is essential?
Other times I've gone for a walk near the dog park, and the coffee shops near there always has a long queue.
Another time (not during lockdown) I went to pick up a parcel at the post office right as it opened at 9 am & there's a coffee 2 doors up, it was really cold and raining, but there were (solo) people pulling up and getting out of their cars & waiting in line to get a coffee.
Do people not make their own coffees any more?
I'm all for getting a coffee to sit & talk with friends, but just to get a coffee and walk along the street alone drinking it?...I'd rather wait until I get home.
And there is no way I'm going out on a cold morning just to pick up a coffee. Thinking about it - I rarely buy a coffee if I am out alone.
So who drives out of their nice warm home to get a coffee? Why? Even if I was going from point A to point B - I'd just have my drink before I left.
I honestly don't get it...enlighten me.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 19, 2021 5:03:02 GMT
I can’t speak to a lockdown situation where going out for coffee would be a bigger deal than non-pandemic times, but in normal times I get coffee by myself often. I like lattes, and I don’t make those at home. I like the comfort and warmth of getting a coffee when I’m running errands, especially if those errands include a more stressful event like a dr appt (mine aren’t always stressful, but often recently they have been). I also like the quick, friendly interaction I have with my local barista who knows how I like my coffee. It’s comforting, familiar.
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Post by papersilly on Jul 19, 2021 5:04:09 GMT
To be honest, I don't get it either. I've never walked around with a coffee cup in my hand. I have a Nespresso at home so I can get a variety of coffee drinks in a matter of minutes. I don't really crave the specialty drinks that Starbucks and others offer so I don't feel the need to stand in a long line for one.
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Post by mikewozowski on Jul 19, 2021 5:09:01 GMT
i get coffee at a shop almost never. maybe twice a year if they have a BOGO.
i make my own iced coffee at home and it tastes better than any coffee i have ever gotten at a shop.
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Post by busy on Jul 19, 2021 5:09:33 GMT
I only make cold brew at home. I like espresso and don't want to fuss with all the crap you need to make it at home. I don't want to maintain an espresso machine, I don't want to learn how to use it, I don't want to spend $1000+ on a good one, and then discover I'm as bad at making espresso as I am at making hot coffee.
I don't think there's anything strange about that.
I buy coffee out at least three or four times a week and have for years. Even during the pandemic, I went through the drive-through regularly (masked, of course). I haven't met a friend for coffee since before the pandemic- just haven't had the chance since the mask mandate and capacity limits were lifted.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 5:10:45 GMT
I have a Nespresso at home so I can get a variety of coffee drinks in a matter of minutes. Yes, this too - I thought just about everyone had some sort of coffee machine at home by now. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jul 19, 2021 5:10:57 GMT
In general, not just during pandemic times. I think there are many reasons why.....it's about treating oneself, convenience, instant gratification, getting something more than a regular average cup of coffee, etc... Everyone's priorities are different. There's no way I would spend the money for a daily beverage. I am not a coffee drinker. I love milkshakes or similar drinks(Dutch Bros >> Frost). For me this type of stuff is a an occasional treat. Usually only buy one, if I have a gift card. For some it's a daily way of life. I won't spend $5.00 on a beverage, but I will spend $5.00 on a sheet of scrapbook stickers or 3-4 pieces of scrapbook paper.  it's all about one's priorities and what makes a person happy. |
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Post by busy on Jul 19, 2021 5:17:24 GMT
I have a Nespresso at home so I can get a variety of coffee drinks in a matter of minutes. Yes, this too - I thought just about everyone had some sort of coffee machine at home by now. Pod-based coffee drinks do not taste nearly as good as coffee drinks made from high quality, fresh, and freshly ground beans. |
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Post by bc2ca on Jul 19, 2021 5:26:33 GMT
I know a lot of people that only get coffee out of the house.
My sister is a tea drinker and her partner walks down to the local coffee shop every morning for his fix. It is a break from work and destination for his walk.
DD often came home from a drive during out Stay Home period with something from Starbucks. She's not a coffee/tea drinker and always uses the drive through though, so wouldn't be getting out of her car into a line.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 19, 2021 5:26:37 GMT
Well as my excitement of my daughter getting a job as a barista was 100% due to the fact that it came with complimentary beverages, I can absolutely assure you there is a rather large percentage of the population that very much enjoys picking up a coffee regardless of the social aspect. I know a half a dozen people who begin their day at the coffee shop of their choice every single day as they like whatever concoction is their favorite.
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Post by katlaw on Jul 19, 2021 5:30:43 GMT
I won't go out just to get a coffee and come back home, even before this pandemic. I will stop if I am going out for other errands and want a cup of coffee. I work swing shifts, I can drink coffee anytime. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Jul 19, 2021 5:35:21 GMT
I don’t think I’ve been out for coffee at all this entire pandemic. We have a coffee maker at home. But back in the days when I went into an office I used to get coffee regularly- or back in the olden days when I would go shopping I would often get a coffee to carry around. I don’t do that any more.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 5:41:49 GMT
Pod-based coffee drinks do not taste nearly as good as coffee drinks made from high quality, fresh, and freshly ground beans. For some of us they do. |
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muggins
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by muggins on Jul 19, 2021 5:50:10 GMT
I don’t drink coffee so I wouldn’t stand in line for one. However, last year in MI, mid-pandemic, the drive thru line at Starbucks was so long it snaked out onto the main street and caused a traffic jam every day. I intentionally avoided the intersection due to the SB line!!
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Post by AussieMeg on Jul 19, 2021 6:04:49 GMT
Really? Getting a coffee is essential? Abso-fucking-lutely!  But luckily I have my own coffee machine at home, where I can grind my own beans from Grinders in Carlton, so I don't need to leave home for coffee. When we had those big storms last month and the power went out, I was desperate for a half decent coffee. So desperate that I drove up to the local Maccas to get one. But the line was all the way through the drive-through and carpark, up the side street, and out onto the highway. I tried four times each day for two days, and every time I went past it was that busy. So it kind of doesn't surprise me that people are queuing for coffee during lockdown, but I do have to wonder why they don't just buy their own machine if they're forking out $4 plus per coffee every time. |
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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 6:12:16 GMT
Abso-fucking-lutely!  Having a coffee is definitely essential! but going out to buy one in lockdown...I dunno. I also think if you're walking slow enough to drink coffee at the same time, then it doesn't qualify as exercise! Did you see Gladbags in the news today? told people yesterday that if they were going for a walk and stopped to get coffee they should have a mask on...and there she is with her new boyfriend  walking & drinking coffee without a mask - only put it on when she spotted the photographer. |
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Post by rainangel on Jul 19, 2021 6:29:16 GMT
The Australian I used to be married to owns a coffeeshop/café in the Melbourne area.
He says that during the various lockdowns in Melbourne the last year and a half, they have alternated between being allowed guests, being allowed restricted amounts of guests and takeaway only. Right now I believe they are takeaway only. They are a popular lunchspot in their suburb, and have been able to keep their head above water during the pandemic because of takeaway patrons.
Is that what might be happening where you are? People are getting takeaway lunches? There's probably some people at work in the nearby areas who need lunch.
But personally I'd bring lunch from home, and make coffee at home. I wouldn't risk exposure for a coffee alone.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 6:50:02 GMT
Is that what might be happening where you are? People are getting takeaway lunches? There's probably some people at work in the nearby areas who need lunch. Under the current lockdown rules, all offices are shut and everyone who can work from home, must do so (retail is also closed as are schools) Only essential services people are going to work. So it's highly likely that most of those people shouldn't have been there given the current situation, which is one spect of my puzzlement. The second aspect is that it's the middle of winter, it's cold and it was 7.30 am...who are these people that get up and dressed and wait in line for a coffee and then go home again? You'd have to pay me to do that! |
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Post by gar on Jul 19, 2021 7:27:38 GMT
I don't understand the need to constantly have a coffee in your hand but I suppose it's a little 'treat' but essential? Nope, it isn't.
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Deleted
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Jun 9, 2024 21:45:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2021 8:02:37 GMT
The local coffee shops here (not SB, DD, DB) not only offer delicious and unique coffee and tea drinks (and some boboa) but also handmade pastries, soups, sandwiches, wraps, scrambles, etc.
Pre pandemic I would stop 1 to 2x a month as a treat. If it was a nice day and I didn't need to be anywhere I would enjoy my coffee and treat there. Two of them have wonderful outdoor seating.
They also sources their coffee from sustainable farms and use local produce and other items for their food. So it is a win win.
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Deleted
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Jun 9, 2024 21:45:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2021 8:03:56 GMT
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Deleted
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Jun 9, 2024 21:45:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2021 8:04:29 GMT
To many coffee and the food they buy with it are essential. Not my job to say what is and isn't essential.
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Deleted
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Jun 9, 2024 21:45:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2021 8:14:31 GMT
For me I would not class a take out cup of coffee as an essential when restrictions are in place ,I think it creates an unnecessary risk.
Having said that I am just imagining nice coffee and a cake , one day .......
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,809
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Jul 19, 2021 9:10:12 GMT
I don't drink coffee or buy drinks to go but I wonder if for people who do, is getting a coffee in these circumstances am attempt to hold onto a bit of normality, a chance to speak to someone or just see faces and know you are not alone.
Idk, just pondering if it is about more than the coffee.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 19, 2021 10:01:55 GMT
Coffee alone—-all the time!
I do make. Offer st home in the Moro and have a cup in hand as I head out for my day, as does hubby.
I’m more likely to stop somewhere during the day to grab a latte, he might stop occasionally on the way home.
As a family, we stop at our local coffee shop on the weekends.
However, while we were on “lockdown” I didn’t go at all—and our favorite local coffee shop closed and took the time being closed for renovations.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Jul 19, 2021 10:21:49 GMT
I don’t drink coffee, but I am addicted to McDonalds Diet Coke. I do have Diet Coke in my refrigerator at home. I walk a mile to McDonalds every Sunday morning and walk home drinking my Diet Coke. (Not during lockdown though because we couldn’t go inside or walk through the drivethru, only replying to the idea of walking to get something easily had at home.) I look forward to it every weekend - the time alone, the walk, being outside, being able to go somewhere without my car, and fountain Diet Coke is so much better than in a bottle at home and it’s only $1.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 19, 2021 10:23:08 GMT
Not my job to say what is and isn't essential. It may not be your job, but it is definitely the job of our Government & health advisors, in a pandemic, in the middle of a Delta variant outbreak. Under those circumstances, take away coffee can't be considered essential by any stretch of the imagination. But again that's just one point, I'm still wondering about those people getting up early in winter and standing in queues. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 19, 2021 10:23:55 GMT
I would not, but I don’t drink coffee. My husband would. I don’t understand why he can’t drink the coffee at home (which is already paid for!), but he loves coffee shop coffee. And yes, I’ve seen him go out just to pick up that first cup of the day. I don’t get it at all, but that’s him. I budget $25 a week for his coffee and he goes over that amount every week. I think it’s ridiculous, but he never complains about what I spend and we can afford it. But that’s another discussion…
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 19, 2021 10:27:42 GMT
Not my job to say what is and isn't essential. It may not be your job, but it is definitely the job of our Government & health advisors, in a pandemic, in the middle of a Delta variant outbreak. Under those circumstances, take away coffee can't be considered essential by any stretch of the imagination. But again that's just one point, I'm still wondering about those people getting up early in winter and standing in queues. If the coffee shops are open, the government must consider it to be essential. I don’t agree, but I’m guessing that if you mess with someone’s morning coffee, riots would erupt. |
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Post by jenjie on Jul 19, 2021 10:40:56 GMT
I’m not a coffee drinker, but dh was. He would go, not to a coffee shop, but to the convenience store (Wawa!) for his daily coffee. Just a plain black coffee. He would have one at home and one from the store.
That’s what often happens around here. We will have a gathering and someone will make a Wawa run for coffee. I don’t get it. 🤷🏻♀️ But it’s a thing.
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it's all about one's priorities and what makes a person happy. 
But luckily I have my own coffee machine at home, where I can grind my own beans from Grinders in Carlton, so I don't need to leave home for coffee. 
