The boss of Pret A Manger revealed in the Evening Standard this week that he tells staff to give free coffee and food to customers who “make an impression”.
So the Standard put chief executive Clive Schlee’s claim to the test, sending two of our reporters to a dozen stores in central and west London to see how many baristas would take a shine to them. Josh Pettitt and Lizzie Edmonds visited six stores each and managed to get nine free items out of 12 — proving a smile, politeness and sometimes being utterly brazen can go a long way.
Lizzie’s latte lap: ‘I ordered a modest coffee and gave my best smile ... result!’
I started off with the nearest branch to work — High Street Kensington. I ordered a modest 99p filter coffee from Ounar, giving him my best smile.
I casually dropped into conversation how I’d heard about the coffee giveaway to which he replied: “Yes, to regulars. I have never seen you before.” Ah. I managed to save my pitch by promising I’d be back tomorrow so he semi-reluctantly gave me my coffee. Result.
I then hopped on the Tube to Victoria. This time, the staff handed over a latte. Success number two. Next, I went into a branch on the border of St James’ Park and Westminster where I rather sheepishly picked up a mango and lime pot.
I brazenly asked to have it for free and the staff member handed it over. I then scarpered as swiftly as possible, embarrassed at my assertiveness.
I wandered to Trafalgar Square where I ordered a blueberry muffin. Staff member Vicky told me I couldn’t have it for nothing, but she would happily give me a peppermint tea on the house.
Then on to Leicester Square where, despite my best efforts, I failed miserably. “I hear you are giving free coffees to regular and nice customers,” I smile. “Yes,” comes the reply before an awkward silence. I pay for my sandwich and coffee and leave red-faced.
Finally to the Strand where I spark up charming conversation with Ieva. After some small talk I am rewarded with a freebie flat white.
Having now lost count of the coffees I’d consumed in just under three hours, I had a little sit down in an attempt to calm the heart palpitations.
Josh's java japes: ‘I tried my bumbling Boris act. Crumbs! So far, so easy’
Kicking off my coffee quest at a busy Richmond branch, I adopted the persona of the quintessential English gent as I approached the barista. Doing my best bumbling Boris impression, I asked after his health and inquired whether this outlet served any specials.
“I’m afraid not,” he said, seeming genuinely apologetic. He continued: “I tell you what though, this is today’s special — it’s on the house. Have a great day.” Crumbs! So far, so easy.
Along the river in Putney, I opted for a change of tactic — slumped shoulders, furrowed brow, and a mournful rubbing of my eyes. I was asked how my day was going. “Not great,” I said. “A bit of a nightmare morning in fact.” But before I was given a sliver of sympathy the efficient manager processed me without a second glance.
At Fulham Broadway shopping centre I was greeted by Manon, a beaming French cashier. Mustering my best schoolboy French I greeted her and commented on the weather. She was not immediately impressed, and my oh-so cheeky line of, “So do you come here often?” sank without a trace. I beat a hasty retreat to the King’s Road.
After two failures, a little skulduggery was called for. Choosing the 99p filter coffee I made a song and dance of mislaying my wallet to Spaniard Sergio who looked me up and down with disdain. Sighing, as if he’d seen this caper a few times before, I was handed my coffee “on the house” through gritted teeth.
Feeling guilty, I scuttled over to South Kensington where I decided honesty would be the best policy. But before I could brazenly ask for my free coffee, Jakub beat me to it, offering me any coffee on the house.
Confidence restored and caffeine coursing through my blood I headed to my last stop in Notting Hill, which proved a push over. Sylwia Andrzejewska, 21, was only too happy to listen to my sob story about locking myself out of my house and missing the train.
The Polish-born barista explained: “It’s normally our regular customers who I give free coffee to. But it can also just be when I’m in a good mood or someone comes in looking wet and miserable. Also if someone is nice looking they might get a free drink — that happens more than you might think!”