Middle class shoppers at supermarket chain Waitrose have complained that a free coffee offer to loyalty card holders is attracting a more downmarket clientele.

The offer of a free cup of tea or coffee in stores for myWaitrose card holders, even if they don’t make a purchase, has attracted backlash from some customers on social media.

According to the Telegraph, one Facebook user, Jennifer Huggins, wrote on Waitrose's Facebook page: "Please stop the free coffee at Barry Waitrose, it is putting me off shopping in the store people are coming with two cards two free coffee no shopping, with their Tesco bags."

Another customer, a business consultant from St Albans, reportedly wrote on Twitter: "Bit disconcerting seeing people carrying cups of hot coffee around Waitrose whilst they text and push trolleys with their bellies."