In most UK towns there are plenty of coffee shops. That seems to be a booming business when other shops are shutting down. I think that before Starbucks came along it was less of a thing. You would get basic cafes (or 'caffs'), but the coffee in those would not be great. People expect better these days and we have plenty of coffee snobs. I will try to avoid the big chains when I have a choice.

!LOLZ