Several UK high-street café chains have announced their 2024 festive menus, featuring seasonal drinks, food items, and exclusive merchandise. The launches span Starbucks, Pret A Manger, M&S, Costa, Caffe Nero, and Greggs, with offerings available from November 5 through the holiday season.
Starbucks is introducing five holiday Bearista cups, including a golden Bearista tumbler, alongside new drinks like the Tiramisu Velvet Latte and Apple Pomegranate Refresher. The Bearista Cake Pop and Surprise Box Edition cups—each containing one of five festive Bearista characters—will also be available. Seasonal favorites such as the Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Chai return on November 5, with the Snowy Apple Refresher (coconut milk-based) as a dairy-free option.
Pret A Manger has expanded its festive lineup with the Chocolate Orange Latte, Gingerbread Latte, and Orange Hot Chocolate, alongside new food items like the Boxing Day Toastie and Christmas Hot Baguette. The brand is also reintroducing fan favorites, including the Brie, Pistachio, and Cranberry Baguette and the Christmas Sandwich.
M&S is debuting its first-ever Sweet Caramel Apple Toastie, served with a caramel dipping sauce, and bringing back the Slow-Cooked Beef Yorkshire Pudding Wrap. The retailer’s seasonal menu also includes a range of festive drinks and bakery items.
Costa, Caffe Nero, and Greggs have similarly launched their own holiday menus, featuring Pigs in Blankets rolls, Butterscotch Gingerbread Lattes, and Festive Feast Toasties. Many chains are reintroducing popular past offerings to capitalize on customer nostalgia.
The Starbucks Bearista cups will be available in limited quantities, with the Surprise Box Edition requiring in-store purchases to reveal the specific Bearista character. Pret A Manger’s festive drinks are available in both hot and cold formats, while M&S’s seasonal items are exclusive to its stores. The Costa and Caffe Nero menus emphasize warm beverages and bakery products, with Greggs focusing on savory festive snacks.
Industry analysts note that the timing of these launches aligns with the traditional start of the UK’s holiday shopping season, with many chains aiming to attract customers through limited-time offerings and exclusive merchandise. The Starbucks Bearista line has gained significant attention due to its sold-out status in previous years, prompting early announcements to manage demand.
Consumers are advised to check individual store locations for availability, as some items may vary by region or stock levels. The festive menus will remain available through December 25, with some items extending into the new year.