BILLERICAY’S new Caffè Nero has been hailed “one of the best” by a man who is travelling the UK to visit every single one of the chain’s cafes.

Alan Edwards, 80, headed to the Billericay High Street cafe last Saturday as a part of his “Nero Tour”.

Echo: Relaxed - Alan Edwards enjoying an Americano in Caffè Nero, Billericay High StreetRelaxed - Alan Edwards enjoying an Americano in Caffè Nero, Billericay High Street (Image: Alan Edwards)

This was the 462nd out of 625 Caffè Neros he has visited across England, Scotland and Wales – and the south Essex branch has ranked highly in his caffeinated list.

Alan said: “As soon as I stepped in Billericay’s new Caffè Nero, I was instantly hit with a very warm welcome.

“What separates this from all the ones I have been to so far is the staff seemed more friendly, it was very clean and well-kept."

Echo: Company - Alan with store manager AthinaCompany - Alan with store manager Athina (Image: Alan Edwards)

The fan, who travelled from Caterham, Surrey, made a journey of almost three hours by train to enjoy his brew.

He said: “Everything about this store and its location in the town’s beautiful High Street made the day lovely and worthwhile.”

The 80-year-old is not alone in giving the coffee shop his seal of approval. Hundreds of other coffee-lovers have also been pouring praise to the Billericay venue since its opening, with one saying it was so good, they are “planning to come to the cafe more often”.

Alan’s nationwide Nero Tour started in 2014 when he and his wife Wendy travelled from Newcastle to Middlesbrough to see the Transporter Bridge, in Ferry Road.

After a “lengthy walk”, they found out it was closed and decided to trek back to the town for a “much-needed” coffee break.

They found a Caffè Nero and fell in love with the ambience, the friendly baristas and the “excellent coffee”.

Alan noticed a display box on the counter with pocket-sized customer feedback cards, which he later realised was unique to each store across the country.

An idea sparked in his head to go out and collect them and since then, he has been to 462 different locations – and he has averaged around one new Caffè Nero a week ever since.

He has also collected souvenirs, including takeaway cups.

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