Every now and then, you become aware of a concept that, while slightly manipulative, you thoroughly enjoy. Take “free” things in shops, for example-whether it’s a buy-one-get-one-free promotion or a loyalty card-it’s all designed to get you to spend more. But Pret, the coffee chain in the UK, had a different approach. Instead of rewarding customer loyalty with points, they empowered their staff to give away free coffees to customers they found particularly nice-or, on occasion, even those they found good-looking.

The fun twist was that you never knew when you might get a free coffee until you interacted with the barista. And, much to my delight, I ended up as the recipient of dozens of free coffees over time. At first, it was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting it, but there’s something particularly enjoyable about being handed a free drink when you’re prepared to spend £5 on a coffee and a morning croissant

For the staff at Pret, the occasional free coffee cost them very little, but for the customer,me, it held a high perceived value. It added a layer of surprise and delight to what would otherwise be just another transaction. And (again) for me, it wasn’t long before this little act of kindness led to a habit of interacting more with the baristas. I’ve always been the type of person who likes to ask servers or shop assistants how their day is going-not out of nosiness, but because I enjoy connecting with the world around me. i think it a habit i picked up on my adventures around the world

Connecting with the People Behind the Counter

It’s easy to forget that people working in service roles are just like everyone else-they have their own stories, motivations, and dreams. Having worked in entry-level jobs myself, I remember how rare it was for a customer to genuinely ask how I was doing. When someone did, it made my day. Now, I like to return the favor.

A simple question like, “How’s your shift going?” or “What do you enjoy about working here?” can open up a conversation and remind us all that we’re more than just cogs in a machine. Some people respond warmly, while others are more reserved. But I’m always surprised by how few people take the time to acknowledge someone beyond the role they’re performing.

For many, those jobs are a means to an end-whether it’s saving for university, supporting a family, or pursuing a passion on the side. I find it fascinating to hear what drives people to spend their time there, and I think recognising their effort, even briefly, can brighten their day. Plus, these little interactions enrich my own experiences as well.

The Free Coffee Cycle

My habit of engaging with the Pret baristas eventually led to more and more free coffees. I started to notice a pattern: the more I interacted, the more likely I was to receive a free drink. Over time, this became almost expected, though I never took it for granted. There’s always that moment of surprise when a barista slides your coffee across the counter with a smile and says, “This one’s on the house.”

I’ll admit, after a while, it became a bit of a joke. I’d return to Pret, not just for the coffee, but for the friendly connection I’d built with the staff across the city. And yes, a part of me began to expect the occasional freebie, so maybe i was taking it for granted. that said, I was always prepared to pay, the idea of getting a free coffee had a certain appeal. Maybe I was just being extra nice… or, as I like to joke, maybe I was just extra good-looking! either way it kept me out of Starbucks and still does.

A Simple Gesture, A Lasting Impact

The free coffees were lovely, but what really stood out to me was how those small interactions-those little moments of connection-left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about taking a moment to engage with the person making it. The wider community. Those chats over the counter became part of my routine, brightening my day and, hopefully, theirs too.

At the end of the day, we’re all just people, and sometimes, the simplest gestures-a smile, a free coffee, a genuine question-can make all the difference. And if you happen to get a free coffee out of it? Well, that’s just the cherry on top. But the emphasis shouldn’t always on Pret to give away coffee.

You can do it yourself: Check out the ideas behind: BLUE MONDAY or just pay it forward by paying for the person behind you.