Huge change coming to hundreds of Costa stores as first site re-opens its doors
COSTA Coffee has announced a huge change to hundreds of its stores as the first revamped site has opened its doors.
The popular chain, which has over 2,700 coffee shops in the UK and Ireland, has just reopened its first uplifted store in London.
The newly refreshed Tooley Street store was unveiled on June 15, and hundreds of other Costa stores are set for a revamp before the end of this year.
Unique features include touchscreen ordering systems to allow customers to order their favourite coffee on the go.
Through the screens, customers and select their favourite beverage, pastry, or cake and then collect it from the till.
Card payment is available on all machines, and there is an option to scan your Costa card too.
The touchscreen ordering machines are similar to the ones at McDonald’s and KFC.
The Costa team also has two more baristas to help fulfil orders more quickly.
There is an upgraded modern seating area and a refreshed counter space for customers who want to relax in-store.
For those who prefer ordering directly with a barista, the counter service is still available alongside self-service machines.
Costa told us the introduction of digital ordering screens will have no impact on jobs.
The company stressed the screens are meant to “add convenience and speed to our consumers’ coffee experience in-store, especially for those on the go.”
The Tooley Street store also offers a new range of pastries, including Cheese Twists and Pain au Chocolat, which are baked in-store every day.
The store has also added multiple charging points for people working remotely.
Luke Shaughnessy, regional operations director at Costa Coffee, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil the refreshed Costa Coffee store on Tooley Street, designed to be the perfect space for all.
“With a fresh bakery range, the latest technology for seamless ordering, and a bright, uplifted interior, our renovated London store is the ideal spot for customers to recharge and connect with friends, family or colleagues, or to quickly pick up their go-to Costa coffee whilst they’re on-the-go.”
The Tooley Street Costa Coffee store is open from 6am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 8pm on Sunday.
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Customers can also order via the Costa Club App, as well as the chain’s delivery partners.
While Costa hasn’t shared a full list of stores that will be refurbished, the company said other locations in London will also be revamped.
The refurbishment process is also ongoing in other big cities such as Glasgow and Liverpool, the company told The Sun.
The Liverpool Lord Street Costa Coffee store is temporarily closed as it undergoes a similar refurbishment.
It is set to re-open its doors for trade on June 26.
Subway has recently announced similar changes with the launch of new self-service kiosks, a brand-new app, and an improved loyalty programme.
Thanks to a combination of controversial self-service kiosks and the already-existing digital menu boards, customers will be able to place their orders through digital screens.
Orders will then be sent to the kitchen directly.
Subway says kiosks have already been introduced in many restaurants across the UK, Finland and Germany, and hundreds more will be introduced.
OTHER COSTA NEWS
It comes after Costa Coffee closed one of its North Wales stores on Sunday.
The shop was located at 2-4 Market St, Ruthin, and was the second site to shut in the area at the weekend.
A spokesperson for Costa said: “We’re sad to be closing our Costa Coffee stores on 2-4 Market Street, Ruthin, and in Bayview Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay, which are owned and operated by one of our franchise partners.
“Both stores will be closing for trade on June 16.
“We would like to thank both the Ruthin and the Colwyn Bay community for their support over the years.”
Disappointed coffee lovers took to social media to express their sadness at the closure of the Ruthin branch.
One said: “It was the best for parking and access for people with mobility issues, very spacious and disabled toilets. Friendly staff too. Sad to see it go.”
Another posted: “Sad news. Called there at the end of last year. The staff were polite and efficient, cafe was clean and food up to standard.”
Costa is among the coffee chains that have been criticised for hiking prices at stations around the country.
Last year a large latte or cappuccino at Westminster Underground station in London (now closed) was £4.15, but this year the same drink costs £4.30 at the nearby Waterloo station branch.
That’s after a previous price hike saw the cost soar from £3.85 in 2022 to £4.15 last year.
A large Americano has also gone up from £3.60 to £3.65. The same drink was previously £3.35 in 2022.
A flat white has increased from £3.55 to £3.85, but was just £3.30 in 2022.
Martyn James, member of The Sun Squeeze Team and independent consumer champion, said: “When coffee is hitting the average price of a pint, you know that the big brands are pricing themselves out of the market.
“We know that for many people the tipping point where a daily coffee becomes unaffordable has not only been breached but stomped all over.
“Expect to see people deserting the big brands in droves as prices increase.”
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