Costa has finally jumped on the matcha hype train.
It’s been a long time coming, but after customers have been begging the popular coffee shop chain to start serving what is, undoubtably, the drink of the moment, Costa has finally listened to what the people want and has announced this week that its new winter menu features a range of matcha latte drinks, both hot and cold.
Christmas is over now, and it’s time for Costa’s festive menu to go back into hibernation for another year, which is why this new winter menu is designed to ’embrace fresh rituals’, comforting flavours, and a moment to reset.
Launching today (8 January), the winter menu will introduce both a selection of new and returning favourites.
Costa has finally jumped on the matcha hype train with a trio of new drinks / Credit: Costa
First up, we have the handcrafted matcha trio, of course, including a Hot Matcha Latte and an Iced Matcha Latte, both fully customisable with your choice of milk alternatives and syrups, or for a more refreshing twist, the Strawberry Coconut Iced Matcha Latte blends creamy coconut with sweet strawberry sauce for an uplifting sip.
The Spanish Latte also returns by popular demand, as does a new Spanish Caramelo Latte, which is a velvety caramel twist on the much-loved original.
On the food front, January’s food menu introduces some ‘bold tastes’ and ‘vibrant’ vegan options, including the new plant-based Onion Bhaji Wrap, packed with spice and flavour, or the new Tomato & Basil Soup for a proper cosy companion.
Morning cravings are covered too, with the new Tomato & Mature Cheddar Croissant, or the new All-Day Breakfast Toastie.
Costa has launched its winter menu for the new year / Credit: Costa
On the sweet side, there’s a couple of returning fan-favourites in the mix – with the Banana & Chocolate Muffin, the Orange & Raspberry Victoria Sponge, and the Berry Crumble Slice, each crafted to elevate that afternoon coffee break.
Nishant Bhatia, Global Food and Beverage Innovation Director at Costa Coffee, said the new January winter menu is about ‘finding small moments of comfort and enjoyment’, adding: “Especially our new matcha range”.
“Costa matcha is designed to be a feel-good ritual, whether you’re discovering matcha for the first time or already love its smooth flavour,” they concluded.
Costa’s January menu launches on Thursday 8 January 2026 in all Costa stores across the UK and Ireland.
We're basically half way through the year, so let's see what else we've got to look forward to...spoiler alert, it's a lot.
So far we've had everything from ice bath cafes to listening bars open up in Leeds, and it seems like 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving.
Allow us to get you excited about what's coming to the city...
Dishoom
68–78 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one is a biggun' as the ever so popular Indian restaurant is set to open on Friday 14 August in a beautiful Grade-II listed building on Vicar Lane which was formerly Flannels.
First opening in London, Dishoom now has restaurants dotted all over the UK including a huge site in Manchester. The group is famed for its lavish and grand interiors, as well as its home-style curries, grills and breakfasts including its legendary bacon naans.
Acai and the Tribe
88 Vicar Lane
Image: The Manc Group
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
This Japanese restaurant serves a menu full of sushi as well as grilled meats on sticks, sharing sides and build-your-own hand rolls. All of this is wrapped up in the most gorgeous interior, which you can see from their jaw dropping new Manchester site.
Occupying the Grade II-listed space on Vicar Lane, the three-storey building will include a 220-cover dining room, 30-cover terrace and an upstairs bar.
Introducing Moods - a new all-day cafe, bar and events venue that will open to the public at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate on Friday 31 July.
Created by husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo, Moods will occupy the ground floor of the Grade II* listed building.
Alfonso's
Horsforth
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th January 2026 
