Delightful Deborah does John Lewis opening...

After much excitement watching what was the old Debenhams building transform into the spectacular JL store, I was always going to be waiting at the front of the queue to experience the opening of Exeter's new fantastic addition. Just about everyone I know was informed that this was my intention, friends at work, on face book and at the gym (missing my usual body pump class, which I never miss!) As my dad waited in the queue at around 8.25am and 40 or so people in front of him, I dashed to Starbucks to fuel us with caffeine for the shopping extravaganza ahead. Only a few drops of rain fell for a short time before 9am was upon us and the doors opened to allow us keen JL fans in... I was a little disappointed not to receive a goodie bag or something... Some who had been lucky enough to receive a voucher through their letter box could exchange these for a fabric JL bag which many paraded satisfyingly.

Our first mission was breakfast. Up to the 4th floor by escalator guessing the restaurant would be on the top floor as inside the lifts displayed no description of what was where. My first priority was an inspection of the restrooms and disappointing to find only one of the four soap dispensers had soap in it.

The restaurant was similar to the hectic style of their others and it was advantageous to be at the front of the queue as this popular spot was very quickly full and appropriately controlled by staff who also offered samples of muffins and fabulous cakes to patient customers waiting. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast compote, I was disappointed that the hot breakfast choices were limited to either a bacon or sausage baguette or sandwich. I overheard another disappointed customer asking if there were eggs, which there were not. My dad was cheeky enough to ask for sausage and bacon in his baguette which they kindly obliged, though he wasn't overly impressed as it was cold by the time our hot drinks were prepared. Some butter spread on a warm baguette would have been rather pleasing! It was too hectic to complain - especially on the morning of day one.

We stayed in the restaurant for a while to wait for my sister and nephew to join us and went on to order further refreshments. No decaf... no skimmed milk... oh dear, I'm not trying to be fussy but in this day and age, these are expected basic requirements aren't they? The coffee was too strong for a latte but was kindly replaced with a one shot which was ok - the delicious carrot cake made up for the fact that this isn't Costa or Starbucks-standard coffee. Shall we not mention the hot chocolate? Hot would be the wrong word and it just wasn't up to scratch... (sorry). Why I'm apologising as the customer I'm not sure... maybe it's because I had built up my expectations about John Lewis too much or maybe it's because John Lewis is in another league so simple things like ensuring the food and drinks are perfect is an essential requirement!?

Although this first experience may sound quite negative, I will be back, not for breakfast or coffee, but afternoon tea and willing to try lunch when the staff have had chance to familiarise themselves better.

The store overall is fabulous... beautifully mastered. The ground floor welcoming with delightful aromas of perfumes and scents. Staff are willing to offer assistance and do all they can to satisfy. I know it will be a huge success and I am looking forward to revisiting soon.