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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

92 replies

catchingup1 · 11/04/2026 17:36

I walk past a couple on my way to work every morning around 7:45am and they’re already at least half full. People are already settled in with laptops, having meetings or just sitting.

A lot of them don’t even look like they’re working. Just scrolling on their phones or chatting.

Also with the cost of living being what it is, I find it even more surprising. I know money isn’t an issue for everyone, but for a lot of people it is, so seeing places like this consistently busy everyday just feels a bit out of sync with everything you hear about how tight things are.

OP posts:
LlynTegid · 11/04/2026 19:07

So many social opportunities have been closed down. In winter they are warm (not all houses can be, never mind the cost of doing so), and I guess some people don't want to bother with making their own breakfast. Most offer something reasonably healthy, not fatty foods like Greggs, and are not tax avoiders like Starbucks.

Everlil · 11/04/2026 19:06

Pubs are heaving where I am and the price of a pint or a glass of wine is more than a coffee. I love going to the pub!

mindutopia · 11/04/2026 19:03

I occasionally have a coffee out (say, 3 times a month). I’m not really struggling with CoL. I imagine spread over weeks, there’s lots of us spending £10 a month on coffee which is really not much.

That said, for lots of self employed people and home workers, an office is £500+ a month or a co-working space £15-20 a day. Much cheaper to buy a coffee or two if you’re being savvy.

Error404FucksNotFound · 11/04/2026 18:51

It's cheaper than a meal out so maybe a coffee shop is the cutting down / compromise

ToKittyornottoKitty · 11/04/2026 18:50

It’s obvious that not everyone is too skint to buy a coffee. You say a lot of them are scrolling on their phones or chatting like that’s a strange thing to do in a coffee shop, it isn’t.

SmallTreeDeepRoots · 11/04/2026 18:50

A lot of people locally buy one drink and sit there for hours using the WiFi and table to work - cheaper than hiring a workspace. I often see people having small meetings there too.

There are also quite a few free drinks about - rewards with bank accounts, insurance purchases. Not everyone is paying for their drink.

HoppityBun · 11/04/2026 18:49

It’s ridiculous, isn’t it! I went without coffees for just a couple of months and I was able to afford a detached house with a large garden in the most expensive area of town as a result! You would think people didn’t know about saving or something.

Can we move on to the price of avocado toast?

Annecydrone · 11/04/2026 18:48

People like coffee.
Not everyone is skint, despite what you hear - very few people are so skint they can’t run to the odd coffee.
They’re generic and samey but have a decent level of quality, and are generally pleasant.

Octavia64 · 11/04/2026 18:47

I used to always get breakfast there on my way to work. I’m disabled and making meals is hard.

BarbiesDreamHome · 11/04/2026 18:47

Because they are the only place open at those antisocial times.

Figcherry · 11/04/2026 18:46

I would sooner have 3 coffee shop trips than 1 meal out, that's why I go.

Followthesunshine · 11/04/2026 18:46

I know that due to cost of living I have cut back on going out for an evening meal but am still having a hot drink + pastry as a treat. £8/10 at a cafe is affordable , £30+ for an evening meal not so much.

Needmorelego · 11/04/2026 18:45

Because they sell nice toasties, nice cakes and nice hot chocolate.
That's why I go there.
I am not rich but it's what I choose to spend my money on.

LittleMissClutter · 11/04/2026 18:44

Because so many people like this sort of thing.

It's the exact same reason so many towns are choc full of chicken shops and other takeaway outlets.

CaragianettE · 11/04/2026 18:43

‘At least half full’, at what I would expect to be one of the busiest times of the day for a coffee place, doesn’t sound all that busy to me

OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 11/04/2026 18:43

Costa and CN in our little town seem to be fairly social hubs for the elder community. Lots of organised meet ups etc.

The numerous independent coffee shops are all busy too. Cost of living has not affected everyone. It’s overblown in the media if you ask me.

RachelGreep87 · 11/04/2026 18:40

People spend their money on different things.
People have more money than you.
People are in debt.
People think their weekly Costa is good for their well being so trim the budget elsewhere.

Many many reasons.