Costa Coffee slammed for making drinks 10p more expensive at NHS cafe sites

17 April 2023 , 11:51

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Costa Coffee sites in hospitals are charging more for drinks (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Costa Coffee has come under fire for adding an extra 10p to its drinks at its hospital sites compared to its normal high street cafes.

The popular coffee chain has been accused of adding a "hospital tax" on those who work at hospitals and those who are visiting loved ones there.

According to an investigation by the Sun on Sunday, Costa charges £3.05 for a small latte or cappuccino at its branch on Northumberland Street, Newcastle, and £3.35 for a medium one.

Down the road at its outlet at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, the exact same drink will cost you £3.15 or £3.45 respectively.

At another NHS site with drinks at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, costing £2.65 for an Americano, £3.25 for a flat white and £3.15 for a latte or cappuccino.

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Again these drinks at 10p cheaper at the Costa branch on East Street in Chichester city centre.

Dennis Read, director of the campaign group Silver Voices told the Sun that the extra charges were unfair as those in the hospital were "captive customers".

He said: “They know with long waiting times for patients and their relatives, they have captive customers who need refreshments, so they slap on a hospital surcharge.”

Costa told the publication the price for these sites was set by its partners.

For example, the Royal Victoria Infirmary branch is run by Medirest.

A spokesman told The Sun: "It is not uncommon to find some Costa Coffee products that are priced higher, reflecting the unique locations and operating costs associated with those locations."

Over the last 14 or so years, the coffee chain has opened up sites across many NHS trust sites and as of 2023, Costa has 94 concession sites at UK hospitals.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the chain announced that it was to keep these sites open during UK-wide lockdown as all of its other sites closed.

The Mirror has contacted Costa for comment.

Ruby Flanagan