Costa Coffee — Restaurant in Gloucester

"Shame on you" Manager. You are the rudest and I never found any rude costa staff in the past.

I visited this costa (Bristol Road Gloucester) last Sunday and had an awful uncomfortable experience that left me very offended.

I went to toilet and may have took around 7-8 mins and it was definitely not that long that someone would think that I was dead inside. As I was sitting I heard someone tried to open the door very rudely without knocking first followed by 3 consecutive very loud bang(which is considered as one time knock) on the door. I was just in the process of grasping mentally what was happing, all within couple of seconds she (a manger) just opened the locked door using her key.

I understand if someone is inside too long, although it was not too long in my case but lets assume it was long enough but she still has to follow some procedures to check if someone is in trouble inside. She can’t just walk in without announcing herself.

My advice to the Manger that you should not try to opened the door when you clearly know that someone is inside, second, you must knock politely and announce yourself for example “Sorry, is every thing OK. I am going to open the door”. So other person have a chance to answer your call.

When I came out I asked her if this was a normal practice to do what she just did. She spoke very rudely instead of a simple ’apology’ her answer was “I had to do my job”. I don’t understand what part of job requires walk-in unannounced into locked toilet after a quick bang. I am a reasonable person and understand that mistakes happens and a simple “Sorry” would have solve the problem but her attitude after the incident left me more offended that I originally was.

I go to this caffe and I always have found all other staff very friendly and polite. Manager is rude and if she can’t handle complains politely, she should consider going back to training or at least learn from her own staff. Not to forget my complain was only raised due to her cheap move she made when I was in the toilet.

It is really a shame. I would have expected a bit of decency form you after the incident and learn to smile...

The location on Google maps is close but not quite right. Google maps puts Costa on a piece of wasteland next to Burger King, when in fact it's just along the canal next to the little oriental supermarket, right next to the canal. City centre side of the Greggs and Subway. So a good spot with half a dozen outside tables overlooking the canal and with a good sized car park for about twenty or so cars. The car park is well laid out, nice and level with easy access to the coffee shop and double opening doors, which is good for clients requiring easy and accessible access.

The coffee shop is new, 2023 ish. When we popped in there were three members of staff; two looked somewhat confused cleaning a jug for the smoothie market whilst the other was serving at the drive-through. There was no customer welcome, no "we won't keep you..." or anything, they just carried on.

It wasn't too busy and I didn't notice any tables with dead trays or cups or plates, which was good and certainly makes a change from most coffee shop 'chains' that we visit, so that was good.

It appeared clean and our drinks were served promptly. We sat outside, where the tables were all clear and clean. Location is good. Atmosphere was good. Service was ok, though the staff were friendly enough.

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Yesterday late afternoon 10/05/2025 me and my friend went for a brew. The lady at the till was absolutely lovely! What a great service! I told her I was on calorie deficit and she recommended me a few different low calorie options, also weighted the amount of milk she put in my coffee and did that with a smile on her face! It was a small gesture but so appreciated and it meant a lot for me! Well done, she needs a pay rise for the great service she delivers. I wish I asked for her...