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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:
ScarletWitchM · 31/12/2025 18:04

PaisleyPrit · 31/12/2025 17:34

People say Costa coffee is bad, but you get the exact same answers if you ask about Nero, Starbucks, McDonald’s, small coffee shops.

There’s never any consensus and most people say it’s crap. So where is anyone supposed to find ‘good’ coffee?

Non chain coffee places - or independent companies

Mushroo · 31/12/2025 18:03

Notmymarmosets · 31/12/2025 17:21

I actually prefer wetherspoons for coffee! And our wetherspoons, mcds and even Greggs are much much cleaner.

Show quote history

Same! And Greggs and Macdonalds. They all do an ok cup at a great price

Katemax82 · 31/12/2025 18:02

My daughter and I normally have a pleasant experience in Costa. However I took her to the one that's like an open one in the middle of a shopping centre and it was grim! Not enough glasses so I had one that was plucked from the dishwasher (not sure they even rinsed it properly) all the tables were messy so I had to ask for one to be cleaned and it was right next to the bin. I'm not going back to that one! They're opening a drive through in my town luckily as my daughter is quite partial to a frappe especially after medical appointments

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.

SevenYellowHammers · 31/12/2025 17:55

You’re 100% OP Costa, Greggs, Starbucks, Macbloodydonalds, they are all miserable experiences- insist on a decent independent place or don’t bother, they are always a disappointment.

Blogswife · 31/12/2025 17:55

It’s vastly overpriced and really not very good . Not as bad as Starbucks tho

Chefpig · 31/12/2025 17:54

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

FolioQuarto · 31/12/2025 17:53

I never go to Costa, apart from when I'm occasionally in a nearby town. Even then I don't buy a drink, just use their toilet which is cleaner than the public ones. I asked once and they are happy with that. If I have any change I drop it in a charity box on the counter.

Our town has very good indie cafes, there is no need to go to a chain.

Crikeyalmighty · 31/12/2025 17:53

Aluna · 31/12/2025 17:30

Horrid, cafe Nero is better coffee and Pret is better food.

Edited

Pret is much better food- actually not exactly cheap but pretty good I think

Crikeyalmighty · 31/12/2025 17:51

I’m in Stockholm at the moment and their big chain ‘espresso house’ is so much nicer, sofas, plants , nicer coffee , better snack foods and priced same as UK . We used to use it when we lived in Copenhagen too . Then again ‘most’ people seem to clear up after themselves -

connie26 · 31/12/2025 17:48

Agreed. Overpriced crap.

Ewock · 31/12/2025 17:47

I feel that most of the chain coffee places are like this. I prefer independent ones, but they are few and far between near me.
All the chain ones near me are overpriced, Costa, Starbucks, pretty, Nero etc

musicforthesoul · 31/12/2025 17:47

Don't use them that often but the coffee is fine and I've never been served anything stale. Nothing special but perfectly acceptable for a treat.

A good independent is way better coffee, but I've also been to plenty of awful independents who were much worse as well so depends what options you have available!

Needmorelego · 31/12/2025 17:47

I can't comment on their coffee because I don't drink coffee but their hot chocolate is nice, I especially love their lemon muffins and they do nice toasties.
Perfectly fine place to go for a hot chocolate and cake to me.

Daftypants · 31/12/2025 17:45

it depends which Costa and which barista is making it .
The one near us , 2 particular staff members make decent coffees .
I do prefer some of the good independent coffee shops though

DBD1975 · 31/12/2025 17:38

Love Costa, brilliant loyalty scheme, free slice of cake on my birthday and dog friendly! 😊

ScarletWitchM · 31/12/2025 17:38

Their coffee is awful (so is Starbucks) so I tend not to use them unless there is no other (independent ideally) option

Anyahyacinth · 31/12/2025 17:37

It's on the boycott list so its a total avoid for our family

mmmcoffeeandcake · 31/12/2025 17:37

I find all the coffee chains grubby and shit.

I’ve stopped bothering unless emergency caffeine hit needed and no other options and only for takeaway… and even then I’ll only do Neros as their coffee is better.

RaraRachael · 31/12/2025 17:37

I always have to wait AGES for a drink at my local Costa even if they're not busy.
Drinks are always just lukewarm.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 31/12/2025 17:37

PaisleyPrit · 31/12/2025 17:34

People say Costa coffee is bad, but you get the exact same answers if you ask about Nero, Starbucks, McDonald’s, small coffee shops.

There’s never any consensus and most people say it’s crap. So where is anyone supposed to find ‘good’ coffee?

You try out all your local independents till you find the one with the best coffee.

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 31/12/2025 17:36

PaisleyPrit · 31/12/2025 17:34

People say Costa coffee is bad, but you get the exact same answers if you ask about Nero, Starbucks, McDonald’s, small coffee shops.

There’s never any consensus and most people say it’s crap. So where is anyone supposed to find ‘good’ coffee?

Your taste is your own and not determined by consensus. Try them and see where you like the coffee.

AnonSugar · 31/12/2025 17:36

I only go to order a salted caramel frappe with coffee. Not really a fan of their hot coffee.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 31/12/2025 17:36

I used to like Costa because mine was a nice place to hang out and had good breakfast deals, but now it’s shabby and the prices have come up while the quality has come down. So now I go to an independent whose prices have also gone up but it’s a less run down ambience and the quality is maintained so now outstrips Costa by miles.

PaisleyPrit · 31/12/2025 17:34

People say Costa coffee is bad, but you get the exact same answers if you ask about Nero, Starbucks, McDonald’s, small coffee shops.

There’s never any consensus and most people say it’s crap. So where is anyone supposed to find ‘good’ coffee?