Costa Coffee Closures UK – Which Locations Are Being Shut Down?

Are Costa Coffee closures becoming more common across the UK, and how can customers tell whether a nearby branch is affected or simply refurbishing?

With a number of locations reported as shutting their doors, many people are looking for a clear, practical summary of what has closed, what happens next, and where customers and staff go from here.

This guide brings together the most widely reported details, including a recent closure at a busy crossroads site in Bradford and a broader list of outlets said to have closed since September 2024, so readers can understand the situation without relying on rumour.

Which Costa Coffee Location Has Just Closed in Bradford, and When Did It Shut?

One of the most recent and widely discussed Costa Coffee closures took place at Greengates crossroads in Bradford. The Costa Coffee branch on New Line served its final customers on Sunday, December 21, closing permanently at 4pm after operating for more than a decade.

The closure surprised many local customers, with at least one visitor arriving in the run-up to Christmas hoping to buy a festive coffee, only to find builders already working inside the premises.

Following the closure:

• All Costa Coffee signage was removed from the building
• A “to let” sign appeared shortly afterwards
• Community leaders confirmed there were no new tenants lined up

Costa Coffee stated that customers would instead be welcomed at nearby branches in Shipley and Guiseley, with the nearest alternative option being a drive-thru branch in Idle.

Local reaction was mixed but largely saddened. Community group representatives highlighted concerns about job losses and noted that the café had been a regular meeting place for volunteers and residents at the busy crossroads.

Despite surviving significant roadworks completed in 2022, the site ultimately became one of the latest Costa Coffee closures affecting Yorkshire.

What Reasons Are Being Suggested for Costa Coffee Closures in the UK?

Costa Coffee has not always given a single, detailed explanation for every store closure, but several recurring factors are commonly linked to Costa Coffee closures across the UK.

These include:

• Rising operational costs, including rent, utilities, and staffing
• Lease expiries or changes in rental terms that make locations unviable
• Shifts in footfall, particularly on traditional high streets
• Changing consumer habits, with more takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery-focused demand
• Local competition, including thriving independent cafés
• Portfolio consolidation, where customers are redirected to nearby branches

In some cases, closures involve franchise-operated stores, where decisions may be influenced by individual franchise performance rather than the overall health of the Costa brand.

What Did Costa Say About Customers and Staff Affected by Closures?

In announcements surrounding recent Costa Coffee closures, the company has consistently reassured customers that alternative branches are available nearby.

In previous statements related to closures, Costa has said it “looks forward to welcoming customers” at neighbouring stores. Where possible, the company has also confirmed that the majority of staff members have been redeployed to other nearby locations.

However, local community groups have expressed concern that not all affected employees may be able to relocate easily, particularly in areas where the nearest remaining branch is several miles away.

For many communities, the closure represents not just the loss of a coffee shop, but also the disappearance of a social meeting place and local employer.

Which Other Costa Coffee Branches Have Recently Closed in the UK?

Alongside the Bradford closure, a wider list of outlets has been reported as closing since September 2024. This list includes a mix of high street locations, service station sites, retail parks, and town centre units across multiple regions.

The breadth of places is one reason Costa Coffee closures are being discussed nationally rather than as a single local story.

To keep the information useful and easy to scan, the table below groups the locations with a simple descriptor. Some entries also have a month or date mentioned in reporting, while others are presented as part of the overall list without a specific date.

Reported closures list since September 2024

The list above has been discussed alongside references to a string of 20 closures and, in other places, 21 closures. The difference in counts is not unusual when reports are published at different times or when some closures are confirmed later.

For readers, what matters most is the practical question of whether a specific local store is on a confirmed list and whether a closure notice has been posted.

Are these closures happening in one region, or across the whole UK?

Costa Coffee closures are not limited to a single region but are spread across the UK. Reports reference locations in the South of England, the Midlands, the North, and Scotland, including coastal towns such as Whitstable, Rottingdean, and Lyme Regis, as well as urban centres and commuter routes.

The closures also span different settings, from high streets to transport hubs, service stations, retail parks, and department store sites.

This suggests the trend is not solely a high street issue. While high street closures are highly visible, sites in travel or retail complexes can still significantly affect daily routines, particularly for regular commuters.

Are There Any Current or Newly Announced Costa Coffee Closures in the UK Right Now?

At the time of writing, Costa Coffee has not issued a nationwide announcement confirming a new wave of store closures across the UK. Instead, recent Costa Coffee closures have been reported on a case-by-case basis, mainly through local media outlets and notices displayed at individual branches.

Current reports indicate that closures are being handled at a local and regional level, rather than as part of a broad national strategy. In many cases, Costa continues to direct customers to nearby locations.

Recent patterns linked to current closures include:

• Announcements made shortly before or on the final day of trading
• Customers redirected to nearby Costa Coffee branches
• Stores closing where multiple locations operate within close proximity
• Staff often offered redeployment opportunities, where possible

While further Costa Coffee closures may still occur, there is no evidence of a widespread UK shutdown. The ongoing closures appear to reflect targeted operational reviews, rather than a reduction in Costa Coffee’s overall UK presence.

How Can Readers Check if Their Local Costa is Closing?

Customers concerned about potential Costa Coffee closures near them can take several practical steps:

• Check for notices on store doors or windows
• Use the Costa Coffee store locator to confirm branch status
• Monitor local news websites, which often report closures first
• Look for “to let” signs appearing shortly after closure
• Watch for reduced opening hours or signage removal

Relying on verified sources rather than social media rumours helps avoid confusion.

What Happens to the Building After a Costa Coffee Branch Shuts?

After a Costa Coffee closure, former café units may remain vacant for some time. In Bradford, for example, the Greengates site currently has a “to let” sign displayed, with no replacement tenant confirmed.

Common outcomes for closed Costa locations include:

• Re-letting to another national chain
• Takeover by an independent café or restaurant
• Conversion into retail or office space
• Temporary vacancy while a new tenant is sought

The loss of a well-known café can reduce footfall and impact nearby businesses, particularly in community-focused locations.

Could There Be More Costa Coffee Closures in the UK?

While Costa Coffee continues to operate thousands of stores nationwide, recent reports suggest further closures cannot be ruled out. Rising costs, changing customer behaviour, and high street pressures remain ongoing challenges for many hospitality brands.

That said, Costa continues to invest in drive-thru formats, transport hubs, and high-performing locations, suggesting a strategic shift rather than a full-scale withdrawal from the UK market.

Conclusion

Costa Coffee closures have included a recent, clearly dated shutdown at Green gates crossroads in Bradford, alongside a wider list of sites reported to have closed since September 2024.

While reasons can differ by location, the immediate effects are consistent, customers are guided to nearby stores and communities lose a familiar meeting spot. Checking door notices and official listings remains the most reliable way to confirm local changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can someone confirm a Costa Coffee closure date if they missed the notice?

Check the store entrance for posted notices or use official store listings and local updates.

Do Costa Coffee closures always result in redundancies?

No, some staff are often redeployed to nearby branches, depending on availability.

If a local branch closes, how do customers find the nearest alternative quickly?

Use the official store locator to find nearby branches and check their opening hours.

Are franchise operated Costa stores more likely to close?

Not necessarily, but franchise decisions can vary based on local trading conditions.

What should customers do about loyalty rewards if their local store shuts?

Rewards are linked to accounts and usually remain usable at other branches.

Do drive thru locations follow the same closure pattern as high street cafés?

Sometimes, but drive thru stores rely more on commuter traffic and convenience.

Why do some reports mention 20 closures while others mention 21?

Figures differ due to reporting dates and newly confirmed closures.