ONCE upon a time Whitbread was a brewery making considerable sums of money from beer.

These days it is a “leisure group” with interests including Costa, described as the UK’s biggest coffee chain.

Costa has reported a four per cent increase in sales — signifying a major change in habits, maybe.

Certainly, Bolton’s coffee establishments appear to be thriving at a time when many town centre pub managers are worrying about the future.

Costa is just one of the brands visible in town and they all seem to provide pleasant, relaxing facilities for a rest and a chat.

The coffee revolution is in full swing round here.