Costa Coffee — Restaurant in Wakefield

After navigating past two other coffee chains, I reached this Costa in Asda with a singular craving for a salted caramel frappe. I eagerly placed my order, observing the meticulous preparation by the attendant. However, the spectacle quickly turned into a peek behind the scenes.

Running out of caramel became a grand affair, with the ceremonious replacement of the bottle complete with a day sticker. Yet, this prompted me to scrutinise the rest of their stock. Despite the place being open for just an hour, the muck encrusting the bottles and the pumps seemed to have settled in for a week’s residency. A mere swap of the pumps was the protocol, no fresh pump and certainly no time for a thorough wash.

Every nozzle of every pump on every bottle appeared filthy. Contemplating accepting the drink just to discard it quietly, I paused, not wishing to orchestrate a scene. Others around me didn’t deserve their day to be potentially marred by a bout of botulism. The server presented me with a caramel frappe, overlooking the fact that I had explicitly asked for a Salted Caramel Frappe. When pointed out, the response was bafflingly simple: "That's a salted caramel frappe." Missing 50% of its ingredients but calling it the same thing, apparently, was within their standard practice.

The incredulous stare directed my way painted me as the irrational one. Call me picky, but last I checked, a Salted Caramel Frappe should contain, well, both salt and caramel. Starbucks and every other coffee joint manage this concoction effortlessly, but alas, Costa appears to have patented the salt. This, I presume, is the epitome of post-Brexit service and expertise – our homegrown workforce blissfully unaware of both hygiene and the finer details. She didn't understand that a salted caramel frappe with no salt was just a caramel frappe but I guess she did the refund anyway.

Nevertheless, at least I didn't have to publicly highlight the unsanitary mess lingering behind the counter, and my money was promptly returned. All's well that ends with a refund, I suppose.

The comments here suggest that hygiene is an elephant in the room at this particular branch. Sadly, it seems Costa hasn't yet considered monitoring these Google reviews. But hey, it's a new branch; maybe cleanliness will eventually find its way into...

I was so disappointed today at this Costa.. Don't wanted to have an argument with young girl from staff as I'm 40 weeks pregnant, but I will leave this feedback at least. I've ordered white hot chocolate with extra cream on top (£0,50). First of all a girl who served us took cream out of the fridge and shaked it like minimum 5 times to get some cream out for my chocolate, but obviously there wasn't any left so she just got fed up with it and put the lid on it like nothing happened.. I've been charged for leftovers of cream thanks really.. Second - the taste of white hot chocolate was only warm milk, I can get better chocolate from petrol station self making Costa machine than from actual person making it. No 'enjoy' no 'thank you' nothing at all.. People, I would not...

Staff in this place are miserable. I was made to feel like an inconvenience for turning up at 5.20pm when the place isn't due to close until 6pm. I was then served my food and hot drink in takeaway packaging when I specifically said "stay in". Looking around everyone has their drinks in takeout cups ... clearly can't be bothered with the washing up. The staff are rude and abrupt and basically have zero customer service skills. Won't be bringing my...