A MAJOR coffee chain with over 2,000 branches has announced it is trialling a 24-hour service for customers.
Costa Coffee is extending its trading hours for the first time ever as part of a trial.
Costa has announced it will be serving drinks around the clock, from today, in its Leicester Meridian East drive-through store.
This means people who work late hours or are on the go can order a pick-me-up at any time of day or night.
While Costa already has a handful of 24-hour stores in major locations like airports, the Leicester branch is the first drive-through to see the change.
A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “Although Costa Coffee has previously operated 24-hour stores in service stations and hospitals, we are thrilled to announce the trial of 24-hour operations at selected Drive-Thru locations, beginning with our Leicester Meridian Drive Thru store.
“This initiative enables us to better serve our customers, providing convenience whenever and wherever they need us.”
The new operating hours will stretch from 10pm to 5am, where the drive-through would usually open at 5am and close at 10pm.
The chain confirmed that the new 24-hour system could be introduced across additional locations in future if all goes well.
The outcome of the trial will depend on customer feedback.
Matt Harman, Regional Operations Director for North and Central England, said: “Costa Coffee has always been in the heart of the community, and this trial is another way for us to save our customers when they need it most.
“We’re proud that our Leicester Meridien East Drive-Thru is the first store to trial this exciting initiative.”
Costa Coffee has almost 2,800 branches and over 12,000 express coffee machines in the UK.
There are 316 Costa Drive-Thru stores, an initiative which began in 2011.
By now planning to roll out its 24-hour service, the chain is looking to catch up with other drive-through brands which have already introduced the initiative.
For example, many typical fast food companies have long introduced round-the-clock trading hours, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King and even Greggs.
And Costa isn’t the first coffee chain to make the transition – Starbucks has multiple 24-hour drive-throughs across the UK, and Cafe Nero opened its first in Stansted Airport in August.
The Stansted Cafe Nero is also serving as a prototype, as the chain announced its own plans for a further rollout earlier this year.
To find out which 24-hour services are available near you, you can search for drive-throughs on Google Maps.
The map will then show you the opening times of branches near you.
You can also go to the company’s website if you’re looking to grab a bite from an exact store.
Costa has a Store Locator tool which can find the closest branch based on where you live, along with its opening and closing hours.
You can use this to keep an eye on whether a 24-hour service is coming to your local drive-through.
At the beginning of this month, Costa launched its 2024 Christmas menu with brand-new items and some returning favourites.
New additions include the Caramel Nutcracker syrup which can be enjoyed in a latte or cappuccino for £5.15, or in a hot chocolate for £5.30.
For hungry vegetarian customers, you can now enjoy a Brie and Cranberry toastie for £5.95.
And if you’re visiting a Shell Garage with an Express machine, you can also get the brand new Festive Spice flavour – although price will vary between locations.
Costa is also bringing the festive spirit with brand new takeaway cups, which have been redesigned for 2024 and feature blue, pink and purple waves.
And if you’re looking to save some cash, the chain has brought out a limited edition Gingerbread Latte Flavour sachet so you can sip from home.
A box is just £1.75 with a Club Card in Tesco – meaning just 29p a cup.
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