it's fine. and I can have it hot or cold, and using it as an ingredient in anything else is a cinch.
In the UK, instant coffee is still pretty much standard. Of course, many, many people buy 'real' coffee, but in most hotels and places of work there will be tea bags, and little packets of freeze-dried coffee. It's by far the most common option. Most cheap, independent 'greasy spoon' cafes will still serve it. Personally I think of them as different beverages. It's like a packet of ramen Vs an authentic Chinese meal. Both have their place.