to wonder why coffee shops like Costa and Caffè Nero always so busy?

They are open longer hours. In my town for a coffee after 4pm you can only go to Costa, SB or CN. Although the small shops are open until 4.30 they won’t be happy at starting to serve then. (I don’t blame them, they are likely on a low wage, and may not be paid after closing time so clear up around you, put chairs away etc.

I have a drink in Pret some mornings, another chain. I know what I’m getting.

I used to go to Costa every single week because it was the only place open at 6pm whilst Dd was at her dance class. Everywhere else closed at 4.30pm.

these days I go on shopping days out because it’s somewhere reliable to sit for 15 - 20 mins

Because it’s a reasonably priced luxury. During recessions certain industries boom - lipstick for example. A small luxury that makes us feel better. That’s what a coffee with a friend with or out of the house with some space and a book. It’s not that the coffee is especially brilliant, the experience and reasonable prices (in comparison to bigger luxuries) make it appealing.

I'm genuinely astonished that they sell, they are the most tasteless things ever AND they no longer provide s&p to try and give some kinda flavour. However, I love the lemon muffins, lemon drizzle, caramel shortcake.... . etc 😂

God these posts are tedious.
“Theres a cost of living CRISIS yet I keep seeing people BUYING STUFF! I DONT UNDERSTAND!?!?!?!”
aaannd repeat.

Because they sell coffee for people who don't like coffee.

The Costa/Starbucks near me are revolting with grubby tables, filthy floors and stacks of dirty blenders/milk jugs behind the counter. I am intolerant (thankfully not allergic) to dairy and was shocked to see them wiping the steam wand between different milks with the same grubby cloth that was used over and over.

There's 2 fab independents up the road from where I work - and both have signs saying "no working/loud phone calls" in there. The coffee is about £4.50 but it's a treat and I'm happy to support them when I've been for a walk round the block to get some air.

Same. I never eat out but visit a coffee shop at least once a day. 😳 Keeps me sane.

Any time I go into our nearest Costa, it’s bunged. I’m only in there once in a blue moon with DS1 as a treat, so I dunno, maybe everyone else is in there for a rare treat too? It’s a lovely branch with a good atmosphere and friendly staff. Maybe that helps. We have several independent coffee shops in our small town and they’re busy too. People have different priorities. Maybe they all cut their own hair✂️

Look up the 'lipstick effect'. Lipstick sales historically rise during recessions because people cut back on the bigger purchases.

A nice coffee is cheaper than meeting for lunch and places like Costa don't tend to move you on as quickly as some places would.

Some of the people with laptops may be travelling with work and can expense coffees.

I don't drink the coffee. I drink the hot chocolate 😂
I had a tomato and cheese toastie at a Costa today.
It was very nice. Lots of cheese. Just the way I like them.

I'm sorry but I think the coffee must be too hot and it's tarnished your tastebuds if you think Costas toasties are nice 😱
I love a Costa coffee btw

Coffee is lovely and £5 per day on coffee is not too much

We go out for coffee at least 3 times a week. I don't spend my money on things that others might do. I don't drink, smoke, vape, eat out at restaurants, get my hair or nails done, but fancy clothes or fancy anything really. But I do love a takeaway coffee.

People like their coffees.

Moreover, lots of people are getting at least one free/cheap coffee each week through energy/broadband/mobile providers these days.

It's the same with all the chains/franchise whether coffee, fast food, etc - consistency, longer opening hours, etc.

It's brilliant when you find an independent that suits your needs, but you "have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince" - so many places have limited opening hours, so many have poor service, or a limited "menu", or poor quality ingredients/foods, so many are expensive, etc. It's a bit of a risk/lottery trying out somewhere new. At least with a franchise/chain, you know what you're going to get.

Also it's easier to find a "costa" or "nero" if you're in an unfamiliar place - just get onto their app and use their search feature for your nearest outlet.

As others have said, loyalty schemes also make a big difference - you can accumulate points in any town/city, which you can't do if you use a different indy in every town/city you visit.

I can only speak for myself but I regularly buy takeaway coffees as they feel like a little treat, and bring me happiness. I don’t spend money on anything else as I’m a working mum of 2 little kids and I don’t spend on beauty appointments, holidays, drinks/vapes or anything else. So why not?

If you’re asking why people visit these chains in particular, probably because independent coffee shops are a gamble. We have one in our village, the last time I went in they told me I couldn’t sit down as they were closing soon (a full 30 minutes before their stated closing time!), before handing me a £4 coffee that was undrinkable and tiny. I know what I’m getting with the chains, and when they’ll be open.

I commute past a costa at’6:30 in the morning and every morning there are two single oldies on their own tables next to each other. I’m not sure if they’re actually having breakfast or actually acknowledge each other, and I hate Costa myself, but I do find it heartwarming that two people who may live alone share some company every day.

We do generally go to independent coffee shops though and not Costa. Forgot to add. But my 4 year old loves costa for some reason. Probably the marshmallow with his babychino lol

We are pretty hard up despite both working but we have a mortgage and 2 young children (well one is a baby) but nursery fees etc. we never go out for meals or get take aways but we do go out for
coffees. It's the only "treat" thing we have really . As we can get 2 coffees and a babycino for about £10 and it's a nice outing as a family. So yes you are making a strange point.

It’s a treat and a way to be out of the house and socialise, also for someone on their own it does not come with the same insecurity as going to a pub on your own. Young people are more into health and fitness and coffee is their thing rather than pints.

I think going out for coffee is great - and unsurprising - but it's the popularity of these awful chains that is baffling. There are so many good independent coffee shops and cafes to go to instead.

I guess because they like it and can afford it.

I love the idea of a coffee shop but last time I went it was an awful experience; rammed elbow to elbow, so loud we couldn't chat, drinks weren't good and expensive. I thought it'd feel like a treat but it didn't.

Lord knows, because the coffee in Costa is undrinkable - cold and slimy.

Probably because of me. I go out for coffee a lot. Any chance I get. Alone or with people. I bring my kids a bit too and buy them a drink. I don't mind paying for an expensive coffee, I love cafes. I also am not struggling financially so if I feel like an extra I buy it. I am struggling weight wise so try to limit it to just drinks for that reason.