Costa Coffee - Bowburn Drive-Thru — Restaurant in England

Disappointing Experience at Bowburn Drive-Thru

I regularly visit the Costa Coffee Bowburn Drive-Thru for meetings and have always received great service—friendly, warm, and efficient. However, my experience on 28/02/25 around 12:45 was disappointing due to one particular staff member.

I ordered two coffees and a Pupachino for my dog. The Pupachino was initially forgotten, which wasn’t a big issue, but when I asked again, an older blonde woman, who appeared to be in charge, made the situation uncomfortable. She loudly announced across the room, “Well, it’s a 50p charge!”—which we had no issue with. She then struggled to process the charge and said, “Well, I suppose we will have to give it for free then,” before speaking into her headset. Another staff member then came out and charged us the 50p.

While I have always had great experiences at this location, this staff member’s attitude made us feel unwelcome. It was disappointing, especially given how fantastic the rest of the team usually is. I hope this was just a one-off, as I’ve always enjoyed...

I used to like coming here. I would come on a weekly basis these past months (as would my best friend) to pick up a coffee on our way to meet for a walk during lockdown. It was good coffee and nice service. Well, I won't be going there anymore, or any Costas for that matter. I realise you have a parking limit, and evidently it is signposted, but I am not sure I understand why as there is nothing around there and the car park is never full. I came and parked there to meet a friend for a catch up about some difficult family circumstances. While I hadn't expected to be more than 2 hours, our conversation and timing meant I left 17 minutes later than expected. Imagine the shock when I got a £100 fine in the post. This can't be for practical reasons (ie, a busy city centre location where they don't want people parking and not getting coffee) but simply to make money. As a result, I won't be going here again or to any other Costa. Hate writing such a negative post, but...

Don’t go there. It’s the most expensive coffee maybe in the World. £3.25 for a regular flat white, with their standard coffee. All the signs in the shop have lower prices on as well, so you order something thinking it’s going to be one price but the actual price is more. The staff just say “oh the signs are wrong, we are a franchise..” it’s just pure profiteering from the franchisee. Also they don’t let you use your Costa points there. I had enough points for a free coffee, I bought 2 coffees but had to pay for both of them..you can’t use the points if your order is more expensive. Again “because they are a franchise” it shouldn’t be a Costa....