UK – Leading coffeehouse chain Costa Coffee has announced a significant move towards round-the-clock service through its latest concept, a 24-hour drive thru at its Leicester Meridien East outlet, albeit still in its trial phase.
Costa Coffee’s Leicester Meridien East drive-through trial, running overnight from 10 PM to 5 AM, is evaluating the feasibility of extending operating hours at additional locations.
The initiative aims to cater to individuals working non-traditional hours, such as healthcare professionals, hospitality and retail staff, and delivery drivers.
Matt Harman, Costa Coffee’s Regional Operations Director for North and Central England, highlighted the community-centric focus of the trial, “Costa Coffee has always been at the heart of the community, and this trial allows us to serve customers when they need us most.”
“Whether it’s a late-night coffee run or an early breakfast for commuters, our team is ready to deliver the Costa Coffee experience around the clock.”
To support the extended hours, the Leicester drive-through has added four new team members. Costa Coffee will closely monitor customer feedback and community responses throughout the trial period to assess its success.
This initiative aligns with the brand’s broader strategy of strengthening its market position by enhancing convenience and variety for its customers.
In addition to the trial, Costa Coffee announced the early launch of its seasonal menu in October 2024, bringing back festive favorites across its UK locations.
The lineup includes the gluten-free, vegan-friendly Mince Tart, topped with a pastry star and dusted with sugar, alongside the classic All Butter Mince Pie, filled with rich mincemeat and finished with a sugar-dusted pastry decoration.
Also returning is the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Muffin, a festive treat combining chocolate and orange flavours. The muffin features a chocolate orange sauce filling, icing on top, and a signature Terry’s Chocolate Orange segment as a finishing touch.
These initiatives showcase Costa Coffee’s focus on adapting to customer needs while celebrating seasonal traditions, reinforcing its commitment to convenience and community engagement.
Founded in London in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa, Costa Coffee has expanded its operations to 50 countries worldwide.
The brand boasts 2,700 coffee shops across the UK and Ireland, in addition to more than 1,300 locations internationally.
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