Summer is the peak season for coffee shops across the country, so many popular cafés mark the start of the new season by giving their menus a refresh.
Some would argue that there is no better way to cope with the sweltering heat than with thirst-quenching iced drinks and seasonal bites.
But what are some of the most popular brands, including Starbucks, Gail’s, Ladurée, and Greggs, featuring this summer?
Here are some brilliant new menu options worth looking out for this summer.
Starbucks
On Starbucks’ new summer menu, the chain has started offering Mango Dragon Fruit Starbucks Refreshas and Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brews for those who need to cool down during the heatwave.
Frappuccino lovers will be delighted to know that the brand is also introducing two new flavours from July 6; the Chocolatey Wafflecone Coffee Frappuccino and the Strawberry Wafflecome Creme Frappuccino.
Those feeling peckish can treat themselves to one of their sweet bites, which include a Cookies & Cream Brownie, White Chocolate & Raspberry Blondie, and the vegan-friendly Miso Caramel Brownie, priced £1.20.
If those aren’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can also tuck into the plant-based Raspberry & Almond Mini Load or the Caramelised Biscuit Loaf Cake.
Alternatively, for a more savoury journey, foodies can get their hands on the Spinach & Pea Falafel Wrap, or the Plant-Based Breakfast Wrap.
Old favourites are also making a comeback. The Chicken Caesar Wrap, the Mozzarella & Pesto Focaccia, and the Steak & Cheese Panini will be back on shelves.
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee’s new summer editions include a new drink style called Bubble Frappes.
Customers will get to have their pick between the Blueberry Bubble Frappe and the Mango one, each filled to the brim with tropical flavours and juicy pearls.
Alternatively, you can give the Mango Berry Bubble Tea a go — which features a red berry infusion, sweet mango, lemonade, and juicy blueberry bubbles.
Costa is also offering a new Refreshers range with three flavour choices: watermelon and mint, apple and rhubarb, and blood orange and yuzu.
As for the food, Costa has introduced two new salads on the menu: you can either go for the Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Salad, or the Chicken, Roasted Pepper, and Tomato Pasta Salad with a tangy balsamic dressing.
Those who like something more filling can also go for the two new Pizzettas with Caramelised Red Onion and Mature Cheddar, and Grilled Pepper, Mozzarella, and Pesto.
As for dessert, foodies will get to indulge in a Neopolitan Muffin made with vanilla sponge and chocolate, an indulgent Belgian Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Eton Mess Blondie, or a Salted Caramel Popcorn Brownie.
Ladurée
Those who want a more upscale café experience can opt for Ladurée’s new afternoon tea to mark the warmer weather.
The Ladurée Roseblood Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Chateau d’Estoublon will be available in their Covent Garden location until September 30.
Alongside an elegant glass of rosé (or a hearty cup of coffee), you will be able to enjoy scones, patisseries, and macarons for £42.
Greggs
Greggs, known for its epic sausage rolls, has welcomed five new items to its menu to celebrate the start of summer.
Its iced drinks start from £2.40 and include Cloudy Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Mango Refresher. For those who need a hit of caffeine, the chain is offering Iced Chocolate and Iced Mocha.
To nibble on, you’ll get a selection of flatbreads — Mexican Chicken Flatbread, Chicken Shawarma Flatbread, and Began Tandoori Chicken-Free Flatbread.
Creams Café
Creams Café is marking the new season with menu items that have a retro flair.
From Unicone, a vanilla soft serve sitting in a waffle cone, encrusted with rainbow-hued sprinkles, to the Lemon Meringue Cheesecakundae, the chain’s unique take on the classic, dessert lovers will be spoilt for choice.
And fans of the iced rocket lolly will be elated, as the Retro Rocket Sundae sporting raspberry sorbet, bubble gum blue gelato, and vanilla soft serve will have a rocket ice lolly journeying through it.
To quench your thirst, you’ll get to pick between the Pina Collider and a Lawnstar Martini, two non-alcoholic takes on the classic cocktails, each topped with yummy whipped cream.
Packed with chilli, vanilla, coffee, milk, ice and whipped cream, the Chilly Vanilly Iced Latte is sure to wake you up, even on the Monday-est of Mondays.
Gail’s
The popular bakery giant has launched three new sarnies across its stores. The Mortadella & Ricotta Sandwich includes thin slices of Mortadella sausages alongside white sourdough bread, parmesan butter, ricotta, pistachio, olive pesto, hot pickled peppers, and rocket.
The Heritage Tomato Bagel, on the other hand, has seasonal tomatoes, whey butter, pistachio and olive pesto, rockets, and Cornish sea salt.
Lastly, the Ham & Cheese Sandwich is a simple but tasty choice with whey butter, Swiss cheese, and Gail’s very own little sandwich loaf.
