Costa Coffee, a ubiquitous presence on the UK high street and a global brand, adjusts its operating hours during the festive season, impacting coffee lovers’ routines. While typically open from 7-8 am to around 8 pm, serving their signature blend and affordable beverages to a loyal customer base, Costa recognizes the importance of family time for its employees during holidays. Consequently, they close their doors on New Year’s Day, allowing staff a well-deserved break. New Year’s Eve may also see reduced hours in some locations, so advance planning is recommended for those seeking their end-of-year caffeine fix. Checking local store hours is essential to avoid disappointment.
The festive season witnesses a special menu at Costa, featuring seasonal favorites like Black Forest hot chocolate and Caramel Nutcracker latte, alongside festive toasties like Brie and Cranberry and the Turkey Feast sandwich. These limited-time offerings add a touch of holiday cheer to the usual menu, providing a treat for returning customers. While Costa remains closed on New Year’s Day, other coffee giants like Starbucks typically remain open, offering an alternative for those needing a caffeine boost on January 1st. The festive menu at Costa generally extends through the holiday period, providing ample opportunity to indulge in seasonal delights.
Costa Coffee’s journey from a single roastery on London’s Fenchurch Street in 1971 to a global coffeehouse behemoth is a testament to its quality and popularity. Founded by the Costa family, who emigrated to England in the 1950s, the company’s distinctive coffee blend quickly gained a following, leading to the opening of their first store in 1981. By 1995, Costa had expanded to 41 stores across the UK, and continued its international growth into Central and Eastern Europe. The acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in 2019 for a staggering $4.9 billion solidified Costa’s position as a major player in the global coffee market. As of December 2024, Costa ranks as the second largest coffeehouse chain globally, second only to Starbucks.
The year 2025 presents a varied landscape of bank holidays across the UK, offering residents opportunities for extended breaks and celebrations. England and Wales share a common set of bank holidays, which include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland observes a similar pattern but includes January 2nd and St. Andrew’s Day, replacing the Summer Bank Holiday. Northern Ireland distinguishes itself with St. Patrick’s Day, the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) and St. Andrew’s Day, creating a unique calendar of public holidays. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning travel and anticipating business closures.
The festive period brings altered routines and schedules, including adjustments to retail opening hours. While Costa Coffee provides opportunities for festive indulgences with its special menu, its closure on New Year’s Day necessitates alternative plans for caffeine seekers. This closure allows Costa employees to enjoy the holiday with their families, reflecting a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The information provided underscores the importance of checking specific store hours during the holiday season. Variations exist not only between different coffee chains, but also within branches of the same company. Planning ahead ensures a smooth coffee experience and avoids the disappointment of closed doors. The detailed list of 2025 bank holidays further aids in navigating the festive period and understanding potential service disruptions across various sectors.
