Free Tea, Coffee and Hot Drinks: The Best Spots in the UK

If you enjoy a hot drink but don’t want to overspend, there are several places around the UK offering free or almost-free tea, coffee, or hot drinks.

At Magic Freebies UK, we’ve rounded up the top options currently running, worth checking out if you like to save a few pounds (or help someone else out who needs it).

What’s On Offer

Greggs: Free drink via the app

If you download and sign up to the Greggs app, you’ll get a free regular-sized hot drink (tea, coffee, latte, etc.) - no purchase required. Worth keeping in mind if you like quick, convenient stops for a drink. And who isn’t popping into Greggs anyway when they’re on the move, in a rush? Plus, right now they’ve got their lovely Christmas hot drink menu available, so you can nab a classic gingerbread latte for free if you sign up.

Waitrose: Free tea or coffee (with loyalty card & reusable cup)

If you sign up for the myWaitrose loyalty card and bring your own cup, you can get a free regular-sized hot drink (americano, latte, cappuccino, or tea) from the self-serve machine. This is a nice perk if you shop there: one free drink per member, per day.

Wetherspoon: Unlimited refills after one drink

At Wetherspoon pubs, once you buy a hot drink (often around £1.80, depending on location), you can refill as many times as you want! Tea, coffee or hot chocolate, it’s all refillable, all day long until closing. Takeaway cups are available too, so you can keep those refills flowing while you’re out and about.

Morrisons Café: Free refills throughout the day

In participating Morrisons Café branches, you can get unlimited refills on hot drinks (like lattes, cappuccinos, fruit teas, and hot chocolate) after buying a drink (from roughly £1.85). All self-serve drinks are included (including alternative milks), available from opening until closing - ideal for a cheap caffeine boost.

Caffè Nero or Greggs: Free drink via Octopus Energy customers

If you’re with Octopus Energy and have a smart meter, you can sign up for Octoplus Rewards - this gives you one free drink per week, redeemable in-store at either Caffè Nero or Greggs. Just open the Octopus app to reveal your offer, activate it at the till, and show the QR code. Note: only one code per transaction, and there are certain restrictions (e.g. no luxury drinks at Caffè Nero).

IKEA: Free weekday tea or filter coffee with IKEA Family card

At IKEA stores, members of the free IKEA Family loyalty scheme can get a free cup of tea or filter coffee on weekdays (Mon to Fri, in-store restaurants), by swiping their IKEA Family card. It’s a handy little benefit if you’re visiting IKEA anyway… one card should cover everyone in your group.

Caffè Nero (via Three mobile): £1 barista-made drinks

If you’re on a Three mobile plan (pay monthly or pay-as-you-go), you can use the Three+ app to claim a barista-made hot or cold drink at Caffè Nero for just £1 - once per week. Options include a wide range of coffees, teas, hot chocolate, iced drinks - basically many of the usual café favourites (excluding bottled drinks or pre-packaged items).

Tips before you head out

Always check whether the deal is for in-store or takeaway (some are dine-in only).
Make sure you’ve signed up for the relevant loyalty card/app (Waitrose, IKEA, Greggs, Three+).
Bring a reusable cup when required, especially at places like Waitrose.
If you’re using a limited-time code (like with Octopus), make sure you redeem it soon before it expires.