The best coffee I’ve ever tasted was in (of all places) Prague.
It’s Jewish Quarter is home to the most excellent Coffee Houses (together with pastries to die for).
Truly legendary.
As for small, out of the way cafes providing superior roasts, I agree in part.
The thing is consistency though innit?
These wee places can supply great coffee and, well, coffee that’s pretty much like wee .. but alas the good uns are few and far between.
Maybe this is thanks again to the huge commercial enterprises.
A vicious circle indeed.
In saying that, I do believe the aforementioned Costa Coffee offers a relatively decent and consistent standard compared to most.