Fun fact: The City of Chelmsford has the highest number of Costa Coffee branches per capita in the country. It’s know as the Capital of Costa.

This piqued my interest. And I planned an expedition to visit all 33 branches (at time of adventure) by foot in a single day to raise Winter money for Chelmsford Food Bank. 

The adventure captured the imagination of local people, who were both tickled and appalled by the Costafication of Chelmsford. 

On the day of the expedition, people were tuned-in and following on social media. I was like Chelmsford’s Forrest Gump! Supporters waved signs, car horns beeped, and people ran up to me with money. I’d become COSTA MAN!

I set off in my red ski suit, with my sledge and three loyal huskies (stuffed) to undertake the adventure of a lifetime. 

Starting at 5.20am on Dec 10th 2025, I visited 33 Costas (there are 37 in Chelmsford now!), and walked 27.01 miles, in 12 hours.

The Costa to Costa expedition raised over £5000 for Chelmsford Foodbank. 

Costa Coffee themselves even donated £50 in vouchers to the cause.

A noble adventure, turning coffee capitalism and consumerism into charity donations.

My OS map, Costa cup, supporter signs and husky puppy (Captain Fluffy Pants Jr) are now part of The Museum of Chelmsford’s modern culture collection.

And I’ve become some sort of local celebrity - COSTA MAN has been papped in the wild, and even had fan art.

Here all about the adventure on Episode 54 of the Essex creativity podcast ‘Are You Creative?’ Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Role: Creative Director, Designer, Planner, Editor, Explorer

Chelmsford Museum 2025 - Permanent Collection

Team Costa To Costa
Photography: Barnaby Chinook
Videography: Adam Whittaker at Lawker Media
Huskies: Bob Huskins, Licky Licky Bow Wow, Captain Fluffypants Jr