To hate Costa?

[StrawberryMumWave]

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?

YABU as you're describing 90% of coffee houses here, so it's unfair to single out Costa.

I really like Costa, mainly as I like their hot chocolate better than any other coffee chains. The older ones are grubby and due a refit but some are very pleasant to sit in. My local one is quite nice. My only complaint is it has a lovely upstairs but the manager (franchise owner?) hardly ever opens it as claims he doesn't have enough staff.

In a minority but I like it. For one thing it’s one of the few coffee places that still use a dark roast. A lot of the independent places have gone for very light, acidic tasting beans, and however well made the coffee is, I find light-roast coffee undrinkable. Also I like their hot paninis.

Cafe Nero is probably better, but Costa is reassuringly reliable.

The caramel nutcracker lattes this Christmas were lovely! Though I agree they are over priced for what they are. I only go if I have a voucher or discount. Nearby independents are cheaper and better.

I was in one today, it was good of them to open Jan 1st

I love their pork sausage baps

Agree. The coffee tastes like swill to me and the decor feels like it never left the 1990s. Given it wasn’t around in the 1990s this is impressive.

Also concur they never seem very clean.

I agree. Can’t stand any of the chain coffee shops. Awful. Just awful.

The coffee is terrible. Manages to be weak and bitter at the same time. The same goes for Starbucks and Cafe Nero.

The one by me was open Christmas Day. We popped in for a bit as it was too cold to go to park. I know that the 2 ladies working that day don’t celebrate Christmas before everyone shouts CRUELTY. It was fairly busy with a nice atmosphere.