Costa Coffee fans have been left disappointed after being let down by the high street chain’s promise of ‘free coffee’ today.
Customers who headed into stores this morning have slammed the retailer’s promotion, which, for many, has been non-existent.
They claim that the offer of free coffee at all Express machines has left people waiting, only to eventually be turned down.
One angry customer on twitter wrote that he’d been queueing for 30 minutes at his local Sainsbury’s store in Leeds, only to eventually be told the coffee had ‘run out’.
In London, another said he arrived at his local branch on the Strand at 7:30am, only to be told all Costa Express machines were broken and out of action.
Have you had problems claiming your free drink? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
(Image: Getty)
Another replied: “Same happened for me. Almost a riot,” adding he went to the nearby Starbucks and chose to pay for his beverage instead.
However workers have hit back, having worked tirelessly since opening to help deliver the incentive.
(Image: @robin_hutley/Twitter)
Read More
Top money stories
In most cases these will be shop floor workers, such as those at fuel stations or Co-op branches, as opposed to Costa Coffee baristas.
“My poor supervisor’s been running back and forth this morning to refill it with milk and beans. Doesn’t help that the milk is located at the far corner of the store,” one wrote.
Others have been quick to praise the initiative for both brightening up their day – and helping the homeless.
“Thanks @CostaCoffee, just had a free small caramel latte, with my re-usable cup :). Appreciate you doing this freebie,” one fan tweeted.
“SO it’s free costa coffee at the express machines today!! If you see any homeless people why not point them in the right direction for a nice warm drink? #KindnessCostsNothing,” another replied.
One woman told Mirror Money she’s been enjoying free coffees all day – thanks to the machine in her small Scottish village.
“I’m afraid I’m one of the few who has endless amounts of free coffee today,” customer Suzi said.
“There are two machines in the small Scottish village I live in. I’ve had no queue at all! Just thought I’d say it’s not all negative.”
As part of the promotion, Costa will be giving away unlimited hot beverages at Express Machines across the country today – while stocks last.
However, it won’t be available in Northern Ireland, or NHS hospitals, the coffee shop said.
When asked why, the chain said: “We wanted all partners to take part, this was the partners decision not ours I’m afraid.”
Mirror Money has contacted Costa Coffee for a statement.
