Yes, Costa Coffee now welcomes well-behaved dogs in many of their UK stores after a successful trial, but it's best to use their store locator online to check your specific branch, as policies can vary, especially in shared spaces like shopping centres. All assistance dogs are welcome in all Costa locations, and some dog-friendly branches offer water bowls and even "puppuccinos" for your dog.
After a successful trial, we're excited to welcome well-behaved dogs into many of our stores, while assistance dogs remain welcome in all Costa Coffee locations.
While not every branch is dog-friendly, many now welcome well-behaved pups, especially in locations with outdoor seating or designated dog-friendly spaces. With a bit of planning and a quick check via Costa's Store Locator, you can enjoy your caffeine fix without leaving your furry friend behind.
No, Starbucks is significantly bigger globally as the world's largest coffee chain, while Costa Coffee is the biggest in the UK but a smaller player internationally, making Starbucks larger in terms of store count and revenue worldwide, though Costa leads in its home market.
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Is Costa Coffee struggling?
Yes, Costa Coffee is facing significant trouble, with widening financial losses, increased competition, and Coca-Cola reportedly seeking a buyer, as the brand struggles with "soft footfall," rising costs, and losing customers to both premium (Gail's) and cheaper (Greggs) rivals. Its recent financial reports show losses growing to nearly £13.5 million for 2024, a major downturn from its profitable years before the pandemic, leading to store closures and questions about its future strategy.
Major chains like Costa and Starbucks typically charge over £4 for a latte, while independent cafes and Greggs can be more affordable. Factors like increasing energy costs, supply chain issues, and the rising price of raw coffee beans also contribute to the cost.
The idea behind the pup cup is simple: to provide a special treat for dogs that accompanies their owners' coffee or dessert orders. The term "puppuccino" is a little nod to the popular drink, the cappuccino, which we all know is a coffee beverage that has been enjoyed by humans for decades.
Contrary to belief, there is no law that prevents dogs from entering shops, banks or local businesses; so it very much depends on whether the shop owner or branch manager is happy to allow dogs. Why not ask? You may be pleasantly surprised.
And we're not precious about the brand of disposable cup you bring to us either. Even if it's not a Costa Coffee branded cup, we'll take care of it and ensure its recycled.
Generally, Starbucks does not allow pets inside due to health codes, with the exception of trained service animals, but many locations welcome dogs in their outdoor patio areas, and some UK/international stores might allow them inside at the manager's discretion, so it's best to check with your specific store or use the drive-thru/mobile order for pickup outside.
🍦 McDonald's – Free pup cup if the ice cream machine works (usually whipped cream). 🐔 Chick-fil-A – Some locations offer dog treats or pup cups. 🍨 Dairy Queen – Free small vanilla soft serve or whipped cream; some add a dog treat. ☕ 7Brew – Free pup cup (varies by location).
If your dog has a steel stomach and isn't sensitive to dairy or sugar, a small pup cup on a rare occasion may be just fine. However, it should never become a routine part of your dog's diet. Here's when a pup cup might be considered a safer option: It's made with plain whipped cream (no added sweeteners or flavors).
In small amounts, whipped cream is generally safe for most dogs. It doesn't contain ingredients that are immediately harmful, like chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute that's dangerous for dogs). However, whipped cream is high in sugar and fat, which can lead to health issues if consumed too often.
Costa blamed the latest slump on competition from cut-price rivals and fewer shoppers hitting the high street. Cheaper competitors including McDonald's, Greggs and Pret A Manger have been expanding their coffee ranges, while there has been a boom in more premium stores such as Gail's.
Although Gen Z consumers drink coffee less frequently than their millennial or Gen X counterparts, they place strong emphasis on experience and value when deciding how, when and where to spend their disposable income on coffee.
To avoid supporting Israel through drinks, boycott major brands like Coca-Cola (including Sprite, Fanta, Innocent, Powerade) and PepsiCo (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Tropicana) due to operations or affiliations with Israeli companies/settlements, and opt for Palestinian-owned alternatives like Palestine Cola, Salaam Cola, or ethical choices like certain Fair Trade coffees/teas, focusing on brands with clear ethical sourcing and support for Palestinian rights.
