My name is Paul and I’m a coffee addict. The fact is, I can’t start my working day without a Costa coffee. So seeing the offer in the Echo of Buy One Costa Coffee Get One Free, I immediately bought a dozen copies.

Fortunately for me, the Winchester Costa and my shop are both located in The Brooks Centre so I don't have far to walk for my daily fix. However when the fire alarm went off recently, we all had to evacuate the building, including Costa. Uncertain as to whether we would see our coats again, our little group of evacuees went in search of the warmth of an alternative cafe.

For years Winchester planners refused to allow cafes and restaurants on to the High Street for reasons as unfathomable as their choice of design for the Brooks Centre. Then Caffe Nero challenged them. Now you can’t turn around without being offered the opportunity of a drink or a snack.

It’s only a few years since my wife and I were on holiday in the States and were bowled over by a temple of premium coffee and tranquillity called Starbucks. We were even more excited when they arrived in Britain. It reminds me of a friend who, in the late sixties, came back from New York raving about an amazing upmarket burger restaurant. What was it called? McDonalds.

Premium coffee houses like Starbucks followed the life cycle of many businesses and products. They began as something different and were adopted by the trendies (yes, like me). Then they became fashionable and eventually they were everywhere. And, along the way, like many big businesses, they seemed to lose the passion that made them special.

Not that I've rejected them because they’re popular. Costas may be ubiquitous but I still love their coffee, and there is something to be said for walking into familiar surroundings and knowing the coffee will have a reliable taste.

Of course, as the owner of one solitary shop, I understand how much easier it is to apply the personal touch when you’re a small business. Please remind me of this blog when we open our hundredth branch.

P.S. It turned out the voucher didn't cover the Winchester Costa. Fortunately I live near the one at Romsey Rapids. Maybe I'll have a swim while I'm there and work off some of those milky calories.