Pret A Manger has announced an overhaul to its £360-a-year subscription in favour of 50 per cent off up to five coffees a day for £10 a month, angering customers who called it a "big big mistake".
The sandwich chain said customers could sign up to the revamped Club Pret at a “much more accessible price than the £360 a year people have to pay for the current scheme.
There will also be an end to its 20 per cent discount on food, with the chain saying it “never really got comfortable” with dual pricing.
As the majority of its customers were not Club Pret subscribers, its priority is to focus on better value for everyone, it added.
The change will be introduced from September.
"Sad day with subscription news, how exactly is the new offering simpler? It’s a no from me come September," said one customer.
In March, the chain implemented a crackdown to prevent Club Pret subscribers from sharing free drinks with others.
As Pret changes its subscription model, how do they compare to other major cafés?
What do major cafés give in their memberships?
Costa
Costa customers collect one “bean” for every drink they purchase through the free Costa app. You need to download the app, sign up to the Costa Club, and then scan your barcode to collect your beans.
You’ll get two beans for every drink purchased If you’re using a reusable cup, and you'll get a free drink every tenth bean.
Costa Club has also recently launched a “Treat Drop” feature, where you’ll be sent personalised offers.
Caffe Nero
At Caffe Nero, you get every tenth coffee free. You can pick up a Caffe Nero loyalty card in stores, or access it via the free app.
Starbucks
Anyone signed up to Starbucks Rewards members gets three “stars” for every £1 spent on drinks, food, coffee at home products or merchandise.
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 means you get extra perks such as free extra espresso shots, syrups and whipped cream, plus a free drink during your birthday month.
There is no fee to sign up to Starbucks and you can download your digital loyalty card through its app.
Waitrose
Though Waitrose isn't a café chain, anyone signed up to the myWaitrose loyalty scheme can receive a free coffee or tea. Just bring in a reusable cup and make a purchase in stores. Plus, it is completely free to sign up to myWaitrose.
