Costa Coffee — Restaurant in England

I was in 2 minds about writing this, but I feel I need to say something. As a whole I enjoy visiting this costa, it’s convenient for me with a baby that doesn’t like the car and I often go with a few other mums after our baby group on a Monday morning. I also visit with my partner and stepchildren on the odd weekend too. Generally speaking, the place is clean and the staff are upbeat and friendly despite it being busy. There was a lovely guy making the hot drinks on Saturday 9th March 2024, I’d say he was maybe early-mid 20’s and went above and beyond! There is one person who just makes me so anxious on my visits and is usually there working and I’m afraid he may even be the manager. I was in 2 minds as I get 2 versions of him and usually within the same sentence. He doesn’t appear to enjoy working there either. The first few regular visits my baby was 5-8 weeks old, he was friendly and chatty. Then started coming the passive-aggressive comments. We spoke briefly about my job and I said I didn’t want to go back until she was 2. He made an eye roll as if I had just had a baby to avoid work. Another time he was obviously annoyed one of the other babies in our group had dropped some snacks on the floor, huffed as he walked past the table. At the weekend (9th March ‘24) he got annoyed because my stepdaughter wanted a bubble tea - no longer available and then took a while deciding. I could sense his annoyance so cancelled my order so he could serve the person behind me, before queuing again to place our order where she wanted a hot milkshake and he stated “you’ll have to wait, they take a while to make!” Which was fine. Today I went in alone with my baby to sit down before another mum could join me. He (I think is called Alex, middle aged, has teenagers and I’m guessing ex military?) started pleasantly, though understaffed and busy. Asked if he’d seen me in an Airsoft cap a week or so ago. I stated yes and it’s mine and my partners hobby (not many people know what it is, so I thought maybe this would be a positive conversation). He then followed up with the following comments during the conversation “so you like to play toy soldiers” “it’s not so fun when you get shot for real” I stated how I wouldn’t know as I wouldn’t have passed the fitness test and im too old to join “what? You’re over 33!?” Whether the unpleasantness beforehand was because he thought I was some young mum trying to not work, I don’t know! Later during this visit my friend’s 1-yr-old had dropped snacks on the floor. We were going to pick them up at the end, as we know dogs come in and it was raisins (we are vet nurses). Before we were leaving he put the dustpan and brush over my head and behind me. I brushed up the mess as we got ready to leave. On leaving he apparently said to my friend “oh you got the hint to clean up your own mess then!”

I’m never one to not leave a place as I found it. I put my rubbish in the bin & id put my tray with plates etc in an area designated if there was one. I just constantly feel like a pain by him when I visit and am starting to think we need to find another local coffee shop to visit. Which is a shame as I enjoy my costa rewards. I also never complain, but he’s never like this when I’m with my partner and he makes me want to walk out, I get such anxiety...

I've been here many times now on my way down from Reading & this Costa lives up to it's good name. I like to go in there first thing when it's just opened & even at that time of day the place & staff are fully ready to help & serve. I like my coffee served in a particular way & the friendly staff are more than willing & helpful to take the time to make it this easy way for me. The premises is a little outdated or tired & could do with a refurb, but I put this down to the fact that this Costa is very popular & well frequented. Their toaster machine is also out of date compared to some but I prefer my toast made with this old machine. All in all I can't find anything to complain about, so keep up the good work...

I didn’t want to write this but I’m fed up of being ashamed to spend my money, when I go to costa I often receive horrible comments and on numerous occasions how this staff members doesn’t know how I can spend so much money on a drink and sandwich. He has said before how female customers are the ones that cause an issue if there is one, how it tends to be like a care home in costa some days. Does he know without customers he wouldn’t have a job? I often hear how he doesn’t have time for a break or something to eat. Yet he clearly has time to judge others. Please feel free to contact me or send an email address in the comments do...