Ugh. Another day, another beloved coffee shop bites the dust. I'm starting to think these chains are playing some twisted game of musical chairs with our high streets.
Costa Coffee (you know, that massive chain with over 2,000 branches scattered across teh country like confetti) is shutting down yet ANOTHER location. This time it's their spot at Shell Highworth Service Station, which will serve its final flat white on April 20th. My morning commute just got significantly worse.
The Great Pastry Takeover
Here's the kicker - Greggs is swooping in to replace it. Yes, GREGGS. Don't get me wrong, I love a good sausage roll as much as the next person (probably more, if I'm honest), but sometimes you need something stronger than tea to face the day.
The locals are absolutely divided. One person dramatically called it the "worst decision for Highworth" which seems a bit much. I mean, there was that time in 2018 when my hometown decided to replace our only cinema with a discount carpet warehouse. THAT was the worst decision ever.
Another local pointed out there are "few other coffee shops, both much better than Costa" in the area. Ouch. That's gotta sting for Costa's marketing team.
This'll be the first Greggs in Highworth, though Swindon already has like 10 of them. Because apparently what Britain needs is more access to steak bakes and yum yums. (I spent £4.75 on their breakfast deal yesterday and regretted nothing, so who am I to judge?)
Is Costa in Hot Water?
This isn't some isolated incident. Costa's been quietly shuttering locations faster than I abandon my New Year's resolutions.
They're closing their Stockton High Street branch at the end of May. Then there was that Lyndhurst closure in the New Forest. And don't forget Bridlington in Yorkshire.
Wait, it gets worse.
Last year, Costa closed ELEVEN different locations. Eleven! That's like... a football team's worth of coffee shops gone. Including spots in Buckinghamshire, Kent, London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Birmingham... I could go on but my editor says I'm getting too worked up about this.
But What About My Caffeine Fix?!
Look, I'm not saying I'm addicted to Costa's caramel lattes. I'm just saying my blood type is probably "C" for caffeine at this point.
At least there's some good news. Costa's rolling out their Spring menu with the permanent return of the Iced Whipped Latte. My colleague tried the caramel one and texted me: "Worth breaking my diet for. Already planning tomorrow's 'accidental' detour."
Prices start at £3.75 for these fancy iced drinks, which seems steep until you consider the alternative is falling asleep at your desk by 2pm.
Easter Hours (Because Who Doesn't Want Coffee on a Holiday?)
If you're planning your Easter caffeine schedule as meticulously as I am, Costa will be running reduced hours over the holiday weekend.
Good Friday they'll be open 8am to 6pm, adn Easter Monday from 8:30am to 5pm. That's shorter than their usual 7am to 8pm weekday hours.
God. Remember when everything just stayed open normal hours and holidays weren't this complicated? My grandmother says things were better in her day. For once, I think she might be right.
I'll be pouring one out for the Highworth Costa this weekend. And by "pouring one out," I mean drinking an extra latte in solidarity.
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