So what happened to "the club"? Join us, they said, like an airport lounge, like a Mercedes. We charge a lot, that's true, but we give you a better quality of service and some quiet refinement for your money. Not any more in Cape Town. The " qualified baristas will produce the finest" has disappeared behind the new-policy ropes that block access to the ' designer coffee bar'. " it's not a coffee bar, sir, its a tasting bar" said young Timothy, the store manager. You are only allowed " to taste a coffee - once - that you have not tasted before, otherwise no access. " Never mind the $100- or more you put down on the table to buy your new round of pods. Penny-pinching Nespresso South Africa will no longer offer you a coffee that costs them less than one rand as you return that favour a thousand fold. And there is no discernment between loyal customers - "club members" - and someone looking for a free load. No style, no class. Donovan, the boutique manger of the whole country offers no apology or embarrassment and does not even bother to take my number and "get back to me" after reflection. " It's worse in Germany" he tells me. "They offer nothing to customers there." So that makes it ok then?. The ghost of George Clooney would be turning in his grave. Sies!