I share Jon Barrenechea's opposition to the siting of a Starbucks branch in St James's Street (Letters, May 3). However, which café gets our custom is entirely down to us, the customers.

With coffee prices shooting skywards, rather than be drawn to the big names, consumers should put a little thought into where their money is going and whether their contribution will help keep local traders afloat.

There are plenty of cafés in and around St James's Street and some of the independents have a reputation for providing a standard of service and quality of coffee above their multinational counterparts.

  • Darryl Marks, Eaton Road, Hove