Pret A Manger is changing its £360-a-year subscription to a plan offering 50 per cent off up to five coffees daily for £10 a month.
The change — which takes effect on Tuesday, September 3, and was announced in July — has angered some customers, who called it a “big, big mistake”.
The sandwich chain said people could sign up for the revamped Club Pret at a “much more accessible price than the £360 a year people have to pay for the current scheme”. The scheme was introduced four years ago.
The change will also mark the end of its 20 per cent discount on food, with the chain saying it “never really got comfortable” with dual pricing.
Pret A Manger said because most of its customers were not Club Pret subscribers, its priority was to focus on better value for everyone.
“Sad day with subscription news, how exactly is the new offering simpler? It’s a no from me come September,” said one customer on social media in July.
Pret A Manager in March started preventing Club Pret subscribers from sharing free drinks with others.
As Pret changes its subscription model, how does it compare to other major cafés?
Here’s what you need to know.
What do major cafes give in their memberships?
Costa Coffee
Costa customers collect one virtual “bean” for every drink they purchase through the free Costa app. You must download the app, sign up for the Costa Club, and scan your barcode to collect your beans.
You’ll get two beans for every drink purchased If you use a reusable cup — and a free drink for every tenth bean.
Costa Club has also recently launched a “Treat Drop” feature, where you’ll be sent personalised offers.
Visit the website here for more details.
Leon
Available via the Leon Club App, Leon’s Roast Rewards offers members a coffee subscription similar to the original Pret offer. For £25 a month, customers can receive up to five barista-made drinks daily, plus 20 per cent off the breakfast and all-day food menus.
Customers are limited to one coffee per hour. However, there’s no limit on how much the food discount can be used — although it cannot be applied to meal deals.
Caffe Nero
At Caffe Nero, you get every 10th coffee free. You can pick up a Caffe Nero loyalty card in stores, or access it via the free app.
Starbucks
Starbucks Rewards members get three “stars” for every £1 you spend in participating stores.
You'll get a free drink once you get 150 stars.
After earning 450 stars (over a year), you'll reach gold level status. This involves extra perks such as free espresso shots, syrups, and whipped cream. You will also get a free drink during your birthday month.
Signing up for the scheme is free and you can download your digital loyalty card through its app.
Waitrose
Although Waitrose is not a caf chain, anyone signed up for the myWaitrose loyalty scheme can receive a free coffee or tea.
Just bring in a reusable cup and buy something in participating stores.
Plus, it is completely free to sign up to myWaitrose.
