Costa Coffee — Restaurant in London

I used to be a regular here, despite the shortcomings I thought they would improve over time but I cannot bring myself to come here anymore. My patience is gone with this place.

My last few visits here were unpleasant.

Every other week or so there are new staff who don't know what they are doing or don't understand English. What part of "Decafinated" do you not understand?! I had to repeat my order to the staff several times and still they keep getting it wrong.

The last time I ordered a decafinated latte, I don't know what they put in it but there was a high dose of caffeine in it. As a result I couldn't sleep for 2 days, this lack of sleep impacted my performance at work which reduced my productivity. This could have been avoided if the staff were trained properly and understood English. This is caused by the manager's bad decision making.

The staff keep giving me a takeaway when I specifically tell them I am "eating in". I regularly eat in, but they still insist on giving me my hot drink in a paper cup which is for takeouts. When I remind them I am drinking in, the rude staff always get annoyed at me as if I'm the problem. They sigh and roll their eyes and reluctantly pour my drink into a proper cup. They never apologise for their mistakes. Why do they bother asking "eating in or takeaway" when they don't even listen to their customers? If you cannot communicate with with customers properly you shouldn't be dealing with customers at all. The manager should not have hired these people in the first place. On top of that, the staff are always miserable.

In my last visit I ordered a sausage roll, the member of staff did not know how to use the cooker in order to heat it. The queue kept getting longer and longer due to her incompetence. Eventually she had to ask another member of staff for help. Again this is due to poorly trained staff because the manager is too lazy to do it.

The only positive thing I can think of is the food. No complaints there. They come pre-packaged anyway. The sandwiches are tasty and filling.

The atmosphere here is dull compared to all the other Costa branches I've been to. The lighting is dim. The music is loud. Every time I come here I see tables that need cleaning, this goes back to overworked staff who cannot keep up with a huge workload due to a staff shortage.

All of this is the manager's fault because there is a pattern of untrained staff and poor quality service. The manager is never present nor on duty.

If I am expected to pay an extortionate amount of money for something as simple as a latte or a hot chocolate I can at least expect the service to be better.

I will no longer be giving my money to this franchise anymore.

From now on I go to Gina's bakery down the road instead where the service is more humane, they understand English, and the atmosphere is much better, and the quality of the food is better too. I support...

Costa Coffee offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers looking to relax or catch up with friends. The chain is known for its wide variety of beverages, from classic espresso drinks to seasonal specialties like caramel lattes and festive hot chocolates. The quality of the coffee is generally high, with expertly crafted drinks that appeal to different tastes.

The menu also features an array of food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Many customers appreciate the selection of vegan and vegetarian choices, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The food is often fresh and pairs well with the coffee, making it a convenient stop for breakfast or a light lunch.

In terms of ambiance, Costa locations are typically designed with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a warm, inviting decor. This makes them ideal spots for working, studying, or simply unwinding with a book. However, during peak hours, it can get busy, and finding a seat may be a challenge.

Customer service at Costa is generally friendly, with baristas who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. However, during busy times, service speed can sometimes lag, leading to longer wait times.

Pricing is competitive for the quality offered, though some may find it slightly higher than independent coffee shops. Despite this, many customers feel that the consistency and quality of the drinks justify the cost.

Overall, Costa Coffee remains a reliable choice for those seeking a quality coffee experience in a comfortable setting. Its combination of great drinks, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a go-to...

Update: The cafe has now received a makeover and staff members are different. It’s now a pleasant experience to visit the cafe, no complaints!

This used to be a 1-star ⭐️ review: Staff always grumpy and rude. Also feel like they don’t want to be there. Today 4 staff members were standing about behind the counter chatting with their backs towards the queue. After I paid for my drink it never arrived. At some point I heard a shout “what is she waiting for?” and realised they meant me. Several people had been served before I got my drink, no kind word, no thank you, no see you soon, nothing! The lady left the drink and turned around. Often drinks are boiling hot and unpleasant. This is super surprising as I have been a barista and I know how extensive the training days are. I always regret going to this Costa branch, prefer local small businesses any day.

P.S. - The amount of 5-star reviews by people with only 1 review on their profile...