To not be suprised AT ALL about Costa?

[AlexanderHalexander]

Couldn't see another thread on this, despite looking.

www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/03/costa-coffee-to-cut-1600-jobs-as-covid-19-takes-toll-on-cafes

I go for takeout coffee quite frequently. Since lockdown I've been in Costa twice, both times it was so stressful, rude staff barking orders, being shouted at across the store for standing 1 inch to close to someone in the queue (despite standing on the markers!). The staff were slow and made one order at a time, meaning loads of people left the queue. And you could only get somewhere to sit once you had your FULL order, really stressful with children.

I've been to Starbucks and it's really chilled, smiling staff and no stress despite loads of customers, people served quickly.

AIBU to think Costa has handled the post-covid return badly, and not to be surprised their revenue has plummeted?

Whenever we go to the Costa Drive Through we get the wrong order / additional freebies! They have a high staff turnover (pre lockdown too)

But I’ve continued going to support them and their jobs since lockdown. We don’t have Pret within 100 mile radius and Costa is my “local” so I thought I was doing the right thing.

I could never eat / drink in though - it’s just SO filthy at all times. Well the other one near me is anyway.

And the aggro between staff is awkward to listen to.

feel like I’ve been ranting now. But I do fancy a Costa now

I haven't been in Costa since pre Covid and never went in much anyway as I don't like the coffee that much. But my local branch has (or used to anyway) friendly staff and was generally clean and well run.
All food chains (and indies) are suffering. Pret is axing loads of jobs too, which I find really sad as I quite like their food and coffee, and always find their staff very pleasant and competent.

Boycotting Starbucks due to association with gender ideology, Mermaids.

I agree. Our local Costa is usually quite messy and dirty. They're so slow every single time just to make two coffees, pre lockdown there were always queues out of the door, you couldn't nip in for a quick takeaway coffee, and the staff, if we're comparing to Starbucks, are never quite as laid back or friendly (maybe because they're rushed off their feet and there aren't enough of them in our local one) I don't often go, but it's the only place in our town that does a takeaway coffee rather than drinking in.

They have a high staff turnover (pre lockdown too)

This is common. Costa etc are all transferable jobs so perfect for students who can work in their home town and their uni town.

Yes I do enjoy coffee from Greggs and at least it doesn't pretend to be something it isn't unlike many other coffee chains and is cheaper too.

Costa is so slow and often you are waiting with 3 or 4 trays infront of you whilst they try and do multiple people's orders I often found that they would make me a tea and I'd be hanging around for ages for my friend's flat white - they seemed unable to produce 2 drinks at the same time for the same order - or at least that was how it was pre-Covid as cba since they re-opened. I think they did well as they are in so many Tescos and people would meet before or after shopping.

The Starbucks round here in the Sainsburys' branches seem to be takeout only with chairs always stacked on tables. The stand alone Starbucks allows you to drink in but anyway back to the question I am also not surprised.

I remember 25 years ago Costa was gorgeous and a real treat. I used to go with my late mum who has been gone 20 years and it was a lovely place to have proper coffee.

We've been a couple of times lately and it's been fine. Costa and Starbucks very much do coffee for people that don't actually like coffee though I think. Sort of vaguely coffee flavoured. Unfortunately my dc love a frostino.

Haven't been to costa for a while, especially not after lockdown. My money goes to independent businesses right now because they need it more

I like Costa, but not Starbucks. Well, I have to say that as my DD works in our local Costa.

I love some of the cakes - particularly coffee and walnut cake, or lemon/orange drizzle cake. I am hoping that by the next time I go in there they will have a full menu to choose from as they re-opened with a reduced one.

@RegularHumanBartender

1600 people about to lose their jobs and a 4 page thread babbling about which chain coffee is the nicest. Class.

Should we rend our garments instead?

Of course it's really shit for those individuals who will lose their jobs. But the truth is that Costa is a crap chain coffee shop which most people will not visit if they have alternatives.

I'm not into takeaway coffee at all. I'd rather have instant coffee from a thermos flask.

My money goes to independent businesses right now because they need it more

Do they? I would think given the announcement of job losses to come that Costa needed the business just as much as the independent. A job is a job and a loss is a loss. They all need custom.

I’ve always wondered why Starbucks, Nero etc are able to whiz through orders but Costa takes what seems like hours even when their not even busy? Why do they need to line up the trays like that?

I agree with the PP about Greggs doing surprisingly good coffee. In fact I just love Greggs in general.

I think McDonalds do the nicest coffee of the big chains. It is a shame that people will lose their jobs but hopefully it will give small independent coffee places a boost.

The only people I know who still like Costa are my teenage nieces who love the sugary, novelty coffees and frappuccinos. Their coffee just tastes like it came out of a machine to me, which I don't mind paying a quid for in McDonalds or Gregg's, but resent paying £3+ for the honour.

I feel terrible for the staff who'll lose their jobs. Their stores badly needed investment. So many of them were grim, pokey and tired looking.

We don’t have Greggs either

Our local deli do coffee but it’s so expensive, tiny and bitter!

They do excellent gluten free lunch though which I buy if I have time to queue up (usually a long queue!) they’re doing really well - they had to employ extra staff!

They’re also embracing click and collect lunches & bicycle delivery! Amazing

I'm not really surprised, I think our town has a surplus of Costa shops tbh. I prefer Nero's, although my sons used to use Costa a lot. Actually over lockdown we've stopped almost all coffee buying and now have a great coffee machine which does from bean to cup - so we've been using that rather than going out.

I know what you mean about liking the drama OP, it seemed to be a chance to "keep order" rather than just ensure people were staying safe.

@Slippersandgin

We don’t have Greggs either

Our local deli do coffee but it’s so expensive, tiny and bitter!

They do excellent gluten free lunch though which I buy if I have time to queue up (usually a long queue!) they’re doing really well - they had to employ extra staff!

They’re also embracing click and collect lunches & bicycle delivery! Amazing

Wow! I thought everywhere had a Greggs! We have three in our town!

Easily my favourite takeaway food place!

I think Costa coffee is way better than Starbucks I wasn't impressed when I had one in Starbucks and not been back since

Our Costa isn't slow and is welcoming. I've been in since it reopened. No problem

@Rhine nearest one is 60 miles away

I can’t stand independent shops. Never a decent coffee or tea in them. Owners usually act all superior as well. I prefer chains

Starbucks are worse than Costa IMO but given that I haven't been to the office since March I won't be availing myself of any of the coffee chains.

Not a coffee drinker but enjoy their vegan choc cookies.

Maccie D's coffee is delicious!