In Mérida like many large cities there are plenty of mediocre coffee-shops led principally by the well known chains. There are also many excellent independent coffee-shops which put to shame the lamentable efforts of the billion dollar companies. Great coffee is obviously the principal raison d’être of the independents but it is closely followed by good service and an inviting environment. On first entering a coffee-shop a customer should be offered:

• Choice of roast – dark or medium
• Choice of additive such as milk, vegetarian option etc
• Appropriate cup or glass for the coffee
• Glass of water to clean palate before and after and to hydrate
• Greet customer in language of their choice of customer if possible
• Smile