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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To hate Costa?

135 replies

StrawberryMumWave · 31/12/2025 16:30

DH loves Costa but I can’t stand it. It’s grubby, the cakes are always stale, it’s overpriced, the drinks are never really that good and it’s just not very good all round really. AIBU?

OP posts:
Mayflower282 · 31/12/2025 19:07

I find all coffee shops a bit grubby these days, - sticky floor, dirty tables, scum on the walls, and don’t get me started on the toilets 🤢

AliceandOscar · 31/12/2025 19:04

My local Costa know that I dislike the fact that they don’t do the Spiced Apple drink anymore.
But the team there were so helpful, kind and friendly when I was having treatment for cancer, that I will never hear a bad word against them.

CeeJay26 · 31/12/2025 19:02

Coffee#1 is pretty good for a chain. I’ve also warmed to Nero in recent years, it’s bitter and stronger tasting 😄

Anyahyacinth · 31/12/2025 18:59

Starbucks 3 billion sales across 14 years 8.6 million tax.....choose local

To hate Costa?
Dissappearedupmyownarse · 31/12/2025 18:57

I'm team Costa but hate Starbucks 😬😬

Magsbd · 31/12/2025 18:54

I hate that we accept grubby areas, with crumbs on the floor and unwiped tables , to meet friends and eat and drink. Standards are low nowadays.

OtherS · 31/12/2025 18:52

Always go indie if possible, I find Costa so bland, like a service station. It's not an inviting space at all IMO. Same goes for Nero and Starbucks. But is my favourite of the three for coffee, followed by Starbucks. It's not the best coffee obviously, and it's overpriced, but it's perfectly drinkable. Can't bear Nero's coffee, so that's the only one I'd refuse in an emergency. Always being offered free drinks in Nero but I happily walk right past to pay £4 anywhere other.

Ineedanewsofa · 31/12/2025 18:50

It’s very expensive, average coffee, hate is a bit strong though! I don’t go to coffee shops often enough for it to be an issue

FreedomForFree · 31/12/2025 18:44

jemim · 31/12/2025 18:08

You are aware this is a chat forum? People actually have all sorts of things they feel like talking about. Even if they don’t actually “need” anything.

Anyway OP, you’re not wrong. And they always feel grubby and sticky with absolutely filthy toilets.

Show quote history

It is a chat forum but tbf to @ToKittyornottoKitty this is aibu and it's a fair question imo, why would anyone be unreasonable to not like a particular coffee chain so it does suggest a possible back story

As a pp has said it's down to personal taste and the specific outlet. I'm not a chain coffee person but due to circumstances did end up in a Starbucks last week and unlike posts above it was better than I expected, not dark at all, clean and the coffee was fine for my tastebuds

omggggggg · 31/12/2025 18:36

I think it really depends on the specific branch. Lots of independents are dirty and overpriced. The costa by me is nice.

TomatoSandwiches · 31/12/2025 18:25

Ham cheese toastie is alright in a pinch, too noisy to sit and eat in though, far too loud.

Notmyreality · 31/12/2025 18:21

These days I’ve moved away from Starbucks and Costa and much prefer a Greggs or MacDonalds caramel or toffee latte.

Notmyreality · 31/12/2025 18:19

Chefpig · 31/12/2025 17:54

There was a documentary where traces of fecal matter were found on the food if I remember correctly.

Test any food and I guarantee there will be traces of fecal matter.

Even your food at home..

AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta · 31/12/2025 18:19

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/12/2025 16:33

You can hate whatever you like, it’d a bit much to hate it but it’s fine. Has someone said you are unreasonable? Not really sure what you need here

Costa is one of those places MN loves to look down on because they are seen as being cheap and nasty. See also Greggs, Weatherspoons, Morrisons and so on.

worcesterpear · 31/12/2025 18:18

I agree and hate that they are everywhere. It is so expensive too, I think part of their popularity is in the variety of drinks with special syrups etc, but I have gone off them and especially hate when they ask if you want cream, only to find out it's vegan crap. If you ask if it's proper cream, they say something like 'we can give you dairy cream if you like' in a begrudging sort of way. Surely they should tell you they are serving a substandard product beforehand.

Tresd · 31/12/2025 18:18

I mean it’s not wonderful, but it does the job.

Justamum25 · 31/12/2025 18:16

Sorry, forgot to add photo, but any company that thinks this is ok puts me off.

To hate Costa?
Miranda65 · 31/12/2025 18:14

100% agree. The coffee is slimy, and cold. I don't know how they are so successful.

whiteroseredrose · 31/12/2025 18:13

Costa are OK but I prefer Cafe Nero. They let dogs in and have some vegan options.

Can't stand Starbucks. Tasteless coffee.

TheDenimPoet · 31/12/2025 18:13

I think they're quite overpriced, but at the same time whenever I've been it's always been perfectly nice, so wouldn't say I hated it. I never go for coffee though, always a hot chocolate.

Justamum25 · 31/12/2025 18:12

have to say I really went off costa and it’s overpriced coffee after seeing this.
i had double mastectomy and it’s a pretty harsh operation.Vulnerable young people being shown that having healthy bosoms removed is normal if not trendy? To sell coffee? No thanks, horrendous.

Toastythesnowman · 31/12/2025 18:10

We go to our nearest one a fair bit because all the independent coffee shops in our town are closed by 3pm.

It's fine, basic food & drink offering, plenty of seating, loos are clean, yeah I'd prefer to support an independent but they're not open when I'm taking the kids for a post school snack.

jemim · 31/12/2025 18:08

ToKittyornottoKitty · 31/12/2025 16:33

You can hate whatever you like, it’d a bit much to hate it but it’s fine. Has someone said you are unreasonable? Not really sure what you need here

You are aware this is a chat forum? People actually have all sorts of things they feel like talking about. Even if they don’t actually “need” anything.

Anyway OP, you’re not wrong. And they always feel grubby and sticky with absolutely filthy toilets.

JurgenKloppsTeeth · 31/12/2025 18:07

I do love their chocolate tiffin, but the sandwiches are expensive and uniformly beige. The veggie offering is pretty poor.

Sutant0 · 31/12/2025 18:05

hardhatson · 31/12/2025 18:00

It probably is just your local - mine is fine. The staff are friendly and happy to make custom drinks, the cafe is clean, and the food/drinks taste decent enough. I’ve never had a dud drink or stale food, it’s good for a quick work lunch.

I’d say Starbucks is much worse for being overpriced.

but overall, what are you expecting from Costa and the like? I see them as basic coffee shops, I’m not expecting a life changing or decadent experience. It’s like one tier above Greggs but lower than a restaurant.

No it isn’t. I’ve tried several. They’re all consistent in their shitness.