| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 17:37, 26th April 2026 |     |
As I couldn't even remember the last time I had used it, I chucked it.
In an environmentally friendly way I hope!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:35, 26th April 2026 | |
The scheme was discontinued on 29 January 2026. New cards haven't been available for years, but existing ones seem to have continued working (in some outlets) until then.
I found my card at the back of my desk, when we were downsizing house a couple of years ago. As I couldn't even remember the last time I had used it, I chucked it.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 16:02, 26th April 2026 | |
I read somewhere the scheme officially ended this January.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 12:39, 26th April 2026 | |
The Bite card used to give me a feeling of loyalty.
I've got this card in my wallet. Does it still work?Chuck it.....
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Fourbee at 11:26, 26th April 2026 | |
The Bite card used to give me a feeling of loyalty.
I've got this card in my wallet. Does it still work?The last time I used it was at Euston to make a bacon roll slightly less extortionate and no more edible, but that was ages ago.
The % discount was watered down over time IIRC.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by didcotdean at 15:56, 28th August 2020 | |
Taking a look at the latest trading statement, SSP Group overall made a loss in the six months up to the end of March of £32.7M after tax, compared with a profit of £39.3M in the same period the year before (the half-year including the summer is normally the more profitable one). They cancelled their interim dividend amongst other measures, such as raising new equity capital. This would only have a few weeks of the European Covid-19 closures factored in.
As to past performance it is the case that the UK profit in 2018 and 2019 financial years was £191M but to be clear this is adding the two years together, not an annual figure made in each year, and is before taxes and finance costs which are not presented at the country / division level.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by IndustryInsider at 18:45, 27th August 2020 | |
I fear they will not be the only ones in this position over the next few months.
Yes, I see Pret have announced several thousand today, and there will be many more thousands when the furlough scheme ends. Fair enough that the union should try and back up the workers, but there is very little they can actually do for them.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by eXPassenger at 18:39, 27th August 2020 | |
Probably worth the Union reflecting that whatever the rights and wrongs of SSP's decision had it not been for the Government Furlough scheme, SSP would simply have made them all redundant months ago, so at least those staff have had 6 months pay that they otherwise wouldn't have received.
I fear they will not be the only ones in this position over the next few months.
I fear they will not be the only ones in this position over the next few months.
I also note that 5,000 staff on a 30 hour week at £11 ph amounts to £102M with a 20% uplift for NI, pensions etc. The RMT state a UK profit of £191 M over 2 years without stating the UK turnover.
They will have calculated that demand for food will be at or below 50% of historic levels for the medium term future and are adjusting their business model accordingly.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by Bmblbzzz at 17:40, 27th August 2020 | |
I was at Paddington last week and most of the food outlets were closed which surprised me - mainly as I was quite hungry. Ended up with something from a 2/3rds closed Prett.
I expected some to be open but with reduced staff/counter space etc. I'd imagine if they're closed people will get use to them being closed and stop using them.
I'd imagine that with the recent Greencore coronavirus outbreak, people might become wary of packaged cold food. (I don't think Greencore supply Pret but they do supply most supermarkets). I expected some to be open but with reduced staff/counter space etc. I'd imagine if they're closed people will get use to them being closed and stop using them.
Anyway, I guess it's easier to lay staff off now then hire again when/if business picks up than carry on paying the same number and end up going bust.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:29, 27th August 2020 | |
Probably worth the Union reflecting that whatever the rights and wrongs of SSP's decision had it not been for the Government Furlough scheme, SSP would simply have made them all redundant months ago, so at least those staff have had 6 months pay that they otherwise wouldn't have received.
I fear they will not be the only ones in this position over the next few months.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by Sixty3Closure at 14:42, 27th August 2020 | |
I was at Paddington last week and most of the food outlets were closed which surprised me - mainly as I was quite hungry. Ended up with something from a 2/3rds closed Prett.
I expected some to be open but with reduced staff/counter space etc. I'd imagine if they're closed people will get use to them being closed and stop using them.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by GBM at 11:28, 27th August 2020 | |
I anticipate certain members now going on the Union attack road
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by grahame at 09:44, 27th August 2020 | |
From the RMT
RMT slams major UK rail caterers for pressing ahead with station outlet redundancies after soaking up taxpayer furlough cash
RAIL UNION RMT today demanded that rail catering company SSP - owners of Upper Crust, Rail Gourmet, Burger King rail outlets and a range of other well-known brands - pulls back from the brink and stops pressing ahead with redundancies of station outlet staff under the guise of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company has chosen to not open the overwhelming majority of outlets and are keeping units closed based on the unsubstantiated view that there is little or no demand for them to open. The decision to keep the units closed was taken prior to any increase in passenger numbers or easing of restrictions.
The company has indicated they may open some units up in time but have refused to guarantee offering redundant staff their jobs back, a position that RMT finds outrageous.
RMT has put forward counter proposals to the company and not even received the courtesy of a response.
This decision has been taken in spite of the fact that the company is awash with money after soaking up taxpayer furlough cash. RMT says the scandal yet again exposes the brutal, profit-driven nature of outsourcing on the railway and reinforces the call for work to be brought in-house.
RMT research shows that in 2018 & 2019, SSP Group made a total profit of £416m, profit from UK operations was £191m, and it paid out a total of £346m in dividends to shareholders.
The numbers show that the company was making and stockpiling huge money pre-covid but has now chosen to throw its workers under the bus rather than providing job security at a time of national crisis, highlighting again the scandal of privatisation on the railways.
RMT has also pointed out that SSP furloughed a large proportion of its staff, drawing funds from the joint HM Treasury and Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility and got rent payment holiday for outlets at Network Rail managed stations – soaking up substantial public funds and benefits and yet still ploughing ahead with redundancies to keep company shareholders happy.
RAIL UNION RMT today demanded that rail catering company SSP - owners of Upper Crust, Rail Gourmet, Burger King rail outlets and a range of other well-known brands - pulls back from the brink and stops pressing ahead with redundancies of station outlet staff under the guise of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company has chosen to not open the overwhelming majority of outlets and are keeping units closed based on the unsubstantiated view that there is little or no demand for them to open. The decision to keep the units closed was taken prior to any increase in passenger numbers or easing of restrictions.
The company has indicated they may open some units up in time but have refused to guarantee offering redundant staff their jobs back, a position that RMT finds outrageous.
RMT has put forward counter proposals to the company and not even received the courtesy of a response.
This decision has been taken in spite of the fact that the company is awash with money after soaking up taxpayer furlough cash. RMT says the scandal yet again exposes the brutal, profit-driven nature of outsourcing on the railway and reinforces the call for work to be brought in-house.
RMT research shows that in 2018 & 2019, SSP Group made a total profit of £416m, profit from UK operations was £191m, and it paid out a total of £346m in dividends to shareholders.
The numbers show that the company was making and stockpiling huge money pre-covid but has now chosen to throw its workers under the bus rather than providing job security at a time of national crisis, highlighting again the scandal of privatisation on the railways.
RMT has also pointed out that SSP furloughed a large proportion of its staff, drawing funds from the joint HM Treasury and Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility and got rent payment holiday for outlets at Network Rail managed stations – soaking up substantial public funds and benefits and yet still ploughing ahead with redundancies to keep company shareholders happy.
What catering demand would you (forum members) expect there to be at stations in a month, and in a year?
The view presented above is written by the RMT, no view in the article from the SSP Group. Do you think they are right to be closing many outlets for [some period longer period] and perhaps taking on fresh staff when they do so, or is there some or a lot of opportunism being taken here? I'm trying not to express any view but get a flavour of what members think. May be an interesting poll?
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by didcotdean at 17:20, 1st July 2020 | |
Also from next month they start to become liable for an increasing proportion of the furlough costs. They would start the redundancy process sometime in advance of that as a properly run exercise takes some weeks.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by ray951 at 13:24, 1st July 2020 | |
And they run catering outlets at Airports as well.
So my guess would be that these people are being made redundent now because the furlough scheme will probably end before these stores can re-open and they dont want to keep paying some or all of the wages while they have no or little income.
And if these stores reopen this year or next year then they will readvertise the jobs.
| Re: SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:34, 1st July 2020 | |
A high proportion of station catering is run by SSP
Indeed, easily the majority I would say. As well as Upper Crust, they operate many other station outlets including Caffe Ritazza, Burger King, Starbucks, YO! Sushu, and (surprisingly to some) M&S Simply Food halls. Not to mention the RG (formerley Rail Gourmet) on board catering that some GWR trains have.
| SSP (Upper Crust) cuts jobs - effect on station catering? Posted by grahame at 06:51, 1st July 2020 | |
From Sky News
Coronavirus: Upper Crust owner SSP to announce 5,000 UK job cuts
The redundancies to be announced on Wednesday equate to more than half of SSP’s UK workforce, Sky News learns.
The redundancies to be announced on Wednesday equate to more than half of SSP’s UK workforce, Sky News learns.
A high proportion of station catering is run by SSP ... many of us have used / been using the Bite card which (I think) is purely their promotion, if that helps some readers identify which outlets may be effected. Gonna be hard to keep them all open and trading the same hours with 5,000 less staff.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:07, 11th November 2018 | |
I hadn't used mine for a while but was at Upper Crust, Euston yesterday. Remembering this thread I made a note of the original price and the new price for my baguette and coffee and calculated that it was indeed 10%.
I probably could have got my food cheaper elsewhere but I was pressed for time.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Timmer at 07:53, 13th September 2018 | |
Yes, I also thought when it was 20% it definitely brought prices down to a reasonable enough level. Now I’ll almost always look somewhere else...
Paul
Yep the 20% off made them more like high street prices so was happy to use outlets that took BITE card. Now if i'm going to be ripped off at the station for food I'd rather it be at M&S or Waitrose, both of which don't accept BITE card.Paul
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by paul7575 at 07:31, 13th September 2018 | |
I’ve lost mine. After reading the above I won’t be wasting time trying to look for it.
Yes, I also thought when it was 20% it definitely brought prices down to a reasonable enough level. Now I’ll almost always look somewhere else...Paul
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Timmer at 06:19, 13th September 2018 | |
I’ve lost mine. After reading the above I won’t be wasting time trying to look for it.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:11, 12th September 2018 | |
I used my Bite card within the station at Bristol Temple Meads twice, on Sunday 2 September 2018 - and despite their discount being applied, the prices were still eye-watering. I suspect you're lucky to get 5% off, so it's hardly worth bothering these days, frankly.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by johoare at 13:18, 12th September 2018 | |
I used mine yesterday but the same as bobm didn't check the discount I got
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 13:10, 12th September 2018 | |
Used mine the other day but I must admit I forgot to look to see the size of the discount.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 13:04, 12th September 2018 | |
Anyone still using a BiTE card?
Apparently the discount for those few cardholders left is now down to 5%.
The heady days of 20% off, which actually made SSP outlets worth considering, is long gone. Now they are just overpriced and underwhelming.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by johnneyw at 22:46, 6th April 2018 | |
Out of interest, I had a look at the website this afternoon and it told me that they were taking no more applications for now.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by johoare at 22:38, 6th April 2018 | |
Mine worked in the Beer House in Victoria station Tuesday evening
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:23, 6th April 2018 | |
It's now not possible to apply for a card if you've never had one before according to their FAQs.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 17:07, 6th April 2018 | |
I've just tried to update my details on the website and request a replacement card.
Both efforts resulted in redirection to a page saying "whoops, looks like something went wrong".
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 15:33, 6th April 2018 | |
It worked at Bonapartes at Bristol Temple Meads yesterday but to be honest it was about the only thing that did. No lemonade, no orange juice, no draught beers and no china cups.
(Actually it wasn’t yesterday it was Wednesday - this short week seems very long for some reason!)
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 14:50, 6th April 2018 | |
Bite card not working today - "till software updated and not accepting them at the moment". Good on the chap serving - found a way to provide something agreeable and proportionate.
Solitary experience at one place, or a general problem?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:40, 10th August 2015 | |
... and checking even through their terms and conditions ...
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
To me that seems to suggest it can't be used with any other offer.
Buying a butty for ^1.25 when bought with a hot drink sounds like an offer to me.
Just my personal opinion anyway, and agreed perhaps the ad should say 'not valid with bite card' in small print
You're probably right .. I'd missed that bit on the end of the small print.
Mind you ... what I had initially expected was 10% off the drink (which was NOT a special offer) and then ^1.25 for the bacon roll - as that was a special and I had fully anticipated no discount on it!
I have asked ... let's see what they say!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Adelante_CCT at 19:20, 10th August 2015 | |
... and checking even through their terms and conditions ...
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
To me that seems to suggest it can't be used with any other offer.
Buying a butty for ^1.25 when bought with a hot drink sounds like an offer to me.
Just my personal opinion anyway, and agreed perhaps the ad should say 'not valid with bite card' in small print
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ellendune at 19:11, 10th August 2015 | |
What are the T's and C's on Bite? Do they exclude that with any other offer?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:44, 10th August 2015 | |
I imagine if you were to complain to SSP they will say similar today. That is that the multibuy promotions already offer a saving and they can't be combined with BiTE.
I have asked very nicely ... and we'll see!
Naughty indeed. But probably not illegal. Invitation to treat and all that.
Yeah - maybe.
Yet if the Ts and Cs included "special multibuy promotions" or something like that in their list of exclusions, and they stated "10% off regular prices / multiple discounts don't apply" they really wouldn't look so naughty. They seem to needlessly raise the prospect of a discount on something like this - a very good own goal!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 18:16, 10th August 2015 | |
"These promotions already offer a significant saving over the retail prices of the individual items"
So said the response I received from SSP some three years ago when I complained that I wasn't getting the (then) 20% discount on two canned beers bought together when they had a "2 cans for ^5" promotion.
Thing was, at that time, cans were around ^2.75 each, so the promotion wasn't significantly better. I started asking to pay separately. Pumpkin Taunton once refused to do so, so I bought one then queued up and bought another!
I imagine if you were to complain to SSP they will say similar today. That is that the multibuy promotions already offer a saving and they can't be combined with BiTE.
Naughty indeed. But probably not illegal. Invitation to treat and all that.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:00, 10th August 2015 | |
... and checking even through their terms and conditions ...
Exclusions
Holders of a Bite Card are eligible for a 10% discount (or such other discount percentage as may be notified to all or any BITE Card holders from time to time) off purchases of food, hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages when they present the BITE Card at any of the following branded outlets located at mainline UK railway stations:
Upper Crust, Pumpkin Caf^ Shop, Bonapartes, Caff^ Ritazza, Camden food co. Delice de France, The Pasty Shop, Sloe Bar caf^, Burger King and Millie's Cookies.
Alcohol is sold at participating outlets during licensing hours only to customers aged 18 years or over.
The 10% (and/or any other notified) discount offer does not apply to the following product categories: confectionery, crisps, ice cream, newspapers, magazines, books, cigarettes, tobacco, telephone cards, The National Lottery and associated lottery products and such other product categories notified to BITE Card holders from time to time.
Please note that Burger King in Marylebone station is not part of the Scheme so the BITE Card will not be accepted at this outlet.
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Holders of a Bite Card are eligible for a 10% discount (or such other discount percentage as may be notified to all or any BITE Card holders from time to time) off purchases of food, hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages when they present the BITE Card at any of the following branded outlets located at mainline UK railway stations:
Upper Crust, Pumpkin Caf^ Shop, Bonapartes, Caff^ Ritazza, Camden food co. Delice de France, The Pasty Shop, Sloe Bar caf^, Burger King and Millie's Cookies.
Alcohol is sold at participating outlets during licensing hours only to customers aged 18 years or over.
The 10% (and/or any other notified) discount offer does not apply to the following product categories: confectionery, crisps, ice cream, newspapers, magazines, books, cigarettes, tobacco, telephone cards, The National Lottery and associated lottery products and such other product categories notified to BITE Card holders from time to time.
Please note that Burger King in Marylebone station is not part of the Scheme so the BITE Card will not be accepted at this outlet.
BITE Card offers are not available in any shopping centre outlet operated by Us and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
There is no exclusion on "other special offers" or anything line that. Naughty!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:52, 10th August 2015 | |
You would need to buy both in one transaction (to get the offer), then use BITe to get 10% off he total.
Definitely misleading if that's not the case
Definitely misleading if that's not the case
Yep, I bought both in one transaction. Offered either the coffee at full price and the bacon roll at an extra 1.25 - OR the coffee with a bite card discount and the roll at 10% off whatever its standard price would have been which "will work out more". Had to feel sorry for the woman behind the counter who had been put into the position of having to explain / defend a misleading advert, and after making it clear I felt it was misleading in what it said - false advertising - I bought the coffee and the darned roll anyway. But I'll take a packet of biscuits next Saturday!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 15:12, 10th August 2015 | |
You would need to buy both in one transaction (to get the offer), then use BITe to get 10% off he total.
Definitely misleading if that's not the case
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:24, 8th August 2015 | |
Pumpkin are advertising a breakfast bitty for ^1.25 at Swindon "when you buy any hot drink". No small print.
So I bought an Americano coffee on my Bite Card and asked for the butty at ^1.25 ... but apparently the offer only applies to drinks not bought on a Bite card. "I can ring both up then discount, or not apply the discount".
Misleading advertising. And how to p*ss your customers off.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ellendune at 12:58, 29th December 2014 | |
Fair point.
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
They operate some M&S Simply Food, WH Smith outlets and even a Harry Ramsdens presumable it is not as easy for them to accept Bite as the brand owner is also involved.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Ollie at 12:14, 29th December 2014 | |
Fair point.
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
At Paddington, Yo Sushi and McDonalds?
SSP don't run them.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 10:25, 29th December 2014 | |
The covering letter that I received doesn't have anything by way of an address, a registered office or company number details - I thought that you had to put these on nowadays?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:46, 29th December 2014 | |
Fair point.
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
At Paddington, Yo Sushi and McDonalds?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Timmer at 06:35, 29th December 2014 | |
'Mouth watering 10% off'. Who are they trying to fool when the discount used to be 20%.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 05:19, 29th December 2014 | |
Outside the station perhaps? Who or what is Travelwise?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:11, 29th December 2014 | |
Fair point.
However, the BITE card already seems to cover most of the Select Service Partner Ltd UK railway station catering outlets - Camden food co; Millie's Cookies; Upper Crust; nam-po! noodles & sushi; Pumpkin; Bars on stations; The Pasty Shop; Delice de France; Burger King and Caff^ Ritazza.
Are there any others?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ellendune at 23:16, 28th December 2014 | |
I was assuming that they were going to announce new brands that would participate.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:45, 28th December 2014 | |
The covering letter says,
Hmm. "This will become your passport to even MORE value over the coming months."
So, they're going to reverse their previous reduction in the rate of discount from 20% to 10%, then? Somehow, I doubt it.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 07:36, 28th December 2014 | |
I got mine too, as previously described
I wonder when the 'other offers' will start spamming me?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:42, 28th December 2014 | |
I, too, received a letter, from 'faye' the Cardholders Champion at Bite, on Saturday.
It enclosed a card, identical in every respect to my previous card, except for the new issue date and the QR code on the reverse.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 00:18, 28th December 2014 | |
Got my new Bite card on Saturday. It's almost identical to the previous one. It now has a QR code on the back as well as a mag stripe. Don't know if the QR code is unique to me, containing my card number or if it's just a generic one pointing to their web site. Will have to check at some point.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Brucey at 20:10, 21st December 2014 | |
I haven't received anything from Bite Card for a long time now (neither email nor post).
After my ^8.50 Whopper meal in Ibiza Airport, I though it couldn't get any worse. Clearly spoke too soon. 69kr (about ^5.71) for a sandwich/roll thing at Upper Crust in G^teborgs centralstation.
I've pretty much given up on SSP outlets now. Unless you are captive (i.e. at an airport), you can generally get a better selection of food at more reasonable prices just outside the immediate vicinity of larger station.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 19:52, 21st December 2014 | |
The new card does have a new issue date.
Clearly I forgot the earlier messages. Short term memory loss is setting in obviously.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 19:49, 21st December 2014 | |
Back in January 2014 I received my new BITE card with the promise of exciting rewards coming soon. Then in June, when the discount was reduced from 20% to 10%, there was similar blurb emailed out to some registered BITE card users. The only offer I've received was a voucher for a free pint, and that was, "Here Mr ***** is the first of many exciting rewards - more coming soon!"
Nothing exciting since, except in the post in the past couple of days, a new new BITE Card, exactly like the old BITE Card. Same 16 digit number as my existing one. Identical in every detail. I've dug out the covering letter from January 2014. It's the same also.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 19:26, 21st December 2014 | |
Seems the card is alive and well.
Received a new one in the post over the weekend.
The blurb promises more offers "in the coming months".
We shall see.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 21:11, 28th September 2014 | |
Had me a pint of St Austell Tribute in Bonapartes, Bristol TM earlier today. Still 20% discount. Wahey!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Brucey at 22:04, 25th September 2014 | |
Incidentally, was SSP previously known as SAS Service Partner?
Yes, they were.Yesterday I paid ^2.40 for a hamburger (just a plain burger) and ^8.50 for a Whopper Meal in a SSP operated Burger King outlet at Ibiza Airport. I wonder if anyone has seen any UK-based SSP outlets that have this much of a mark-up compared to the high street?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ellendune at 21:59, 25th September 2014 | |
Yep, got this email. Strange how I never got any of the others earlier this year.
Me too
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 21:52, 25th September 2014 | |
Yep, got this email. Strange how I never got any of the others earlier this year.
Incidentally, was SSP previously known as SAS Service Partner? That's SAS the airline not the elite army unit.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 10:35, 25th September 2014 | |
I've only been getting 10% in almost every SSP outlet since June. The one exception being Bonaparte's at Bristol Temple Meads. Not been in there for over a week though so no idea if they've finally updated their tills and are no longer processing the 20% discount manually. I was told by a staff member that it was likely to remain at 20% there until they complete their re-branding to 'The Beer House'.
Notwithstanding that it was just a barman telling me that. Management may decide otherwise.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 10:13, 25th September 2014 | |
Hmm. I got this, this morning too.
But I have only been able to get a 10% discount since the previous time they issued that email....not good.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:11, 25th September 2014 | |
From my e-mail, this morning:
Hi Chris,
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands, including Upper Crust, Pumpkin, Caff^ Ritazza and Burger King, etc.
To login to your Bite account or see a full list of participating rail station brands, follow this link.
You've still got one week to use your old discount at our partner brands in participating stations, so take a big BITE on your travels today!
The BITE Card Team
Terms and Conditions:
The changes listed in this email, will take effect to your registered BITE card on 01/10/14 For a list of full terms and conditions of use of BITE and your registration details, please follow the link: Terms & Conditions.
You are being sent this email because you are a BITE card holder
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands, including Upper Crust, Pumpkin, Caff^ Ritazza and Burger King, etc.
To login to your Bite account or see a full list of participating rail station brands, follow this link.
You've still got one week to use your old discount at our partner brands in participating stations, so take a big BITE on your travels today!
The BITE Card Team
Terms and Conditions:
The changes listed in this email, will take effect to your registered BITE card on 01/10/14 For a list of full terms and conditions of use of BITE and your registration details, please follow the link: Terms & Conditions.
You are being sent this email because you are a BITE card holder
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 13:42, 21st July 2014 | |
The V&A pub at Marylebone has stopped accepting the BITE card.
'Shortly' to introduce their own loyalty scheme, sayeth a bar tender.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Network SouthEast at 06:16, 21st July 2014 | |
I'm with BNM, the discount seems random.
In a further blow to SSP customers, the new loyalty cards at Pumpkin now require 9 stamps to get a free drink, as opposed to 5.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 23:56, 20th July 2014 | |
It appears that the discount is either 10% or 20%. No rhyme or reason as far as I can tell except that I was told in Bonapartes (Bristol TM) that they are still offering 20% as their till system is yet to be updated. As far as I can tell, every other SSP outlet at Bristol (Upper Crust, Pumpkin, Pasty Shop) is 10%.
Perhaps it's just a case that systems aren't yet updated in all SSP outlets. Or equally, some outlets will give 20% going forward, others 10%.
Incidentally, I was told this evening that Bonapartes on Platform 3 at Bristol TM is shortly to be re-branded as 'The Beer House'. Adding to the list of same named licensed premises across major UK stations.
http://www.foodtravelexperts.com/uk/brand-profile/1/0/16/the-beer-house/
Gonna miss calling it Boney Parts, Blownaparts...
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 23:12, 20th July 2014 | |
Used my Bite card today for the first time in a few months. It was only to buy a bottle of water from Delice de France at Paddington. Was ^1.60, became ^1.28 after swiping my card. Still expensive I know but that's a 20% discount.
Could it be possible that different cardholders get different discounts? The card has to be swiped so perhaps there's a code on the stripe that determines the discount.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Fourbee at 14:54, 5th June 2014 | |
Not had any Emails from SSP. Then again when they did the buy 4 'Lower' Crust meals get a free cineworld ticket I never got that Email as well.
I did get the cineworld email, but have not received anything yet about the 10%. I ticked the box for "Extra Bite - News/Offers/Etc" on my application so would expect to get all messages.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 14:32, 5th June 2014 | |
Monday. Hmmmm
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 14:15, 5th June 2014 | |
9th June.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 14:06, 5th June 2014 | |
Still no emails - and still getting 20% at SSP outlets - this time at Canterbury West this morning.
Staff there looked very surprised & have heard nothing when I told them some card holders had received notification of the discount dropping to 10%. They have been told nowt so far. So its not happening any time soon.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by SDS at 12:54, 5th June 2014 | |
Not had any Emails from SSP. Then again when they did the buy 4 'Lower' Crust meals get a free cineworld ticket I never got that Email as well.
I also have a 30% "privilege card" for millies cookies which works at all branches not just the station ones. I wonder if that discount is going to be cut considering the back of the card has a get out clause on it.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:30, 4th June 2014 | |
Could it be that one must be a regular user of the card to have received an email?
Not sure - but the staff at Exeter St David's Pumpkin outlet were also unaware of any changes earlier this week.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Brucey at 19:59, 4th June 2014 | |
Could it be that one must be a regular user of the card to have received an email?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 18:25, 4th June 2014 | |
I've not received an e-mail, either. I'd have been rather peeved if I'd gone to use it in Blownapart's next week and only then found out about the reduction in the discount.
Were you planning to be in Boney Parts next week Chris?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Brucey at 21:11, 3rd June 2014 | |
Victoria I know has a Wetherspoons on the mezzanine and one a short walk away.
Neither are at typical Wetherspoons prices but still considerably cheaper than the other station outlets.Liverpool Street also has a 'Spoons, tucked away on the upper concourse behind McDonald's.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Fourbee at 12:06, 3rd June 2014 | |
I forgot to mention, the 'heads up' came by way of an email from SSP. With them attempting to sugar the pill with the offer of a free drink. I'll take the freebie of course, but 'tis likely, when I have time to kill, you'll find me more often in the Knights Templar rather than Bonapartes at Bristol TM in future.
Was useful at Waterloo/Euston/Marylebone too when making journeys via London. A pint of real ale was reduced to ^3.60 ish from ^4.50 ish depending on the outlet.
Reduction by 10% could be enough to put me off, so given enough time, I'd go Hole in the Wall at Waterloo (easy to get through via the Tenison Way subway), Bree Louise/Euston Tap at Euston, not sure about MYB.
Anyone going through St Pancras can sign up to Geronimo Pubs newsletter for a free pint (one off) at The Betjemen Arms. It took a day for them to send the voucher through.
Kings Cross is just a case of paying full whack in The Parcel Yard, nothing that convenient in the vicinity that I know of.
Victoria I know has a Wetherspoons on the mezzanine and one a short walk away.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by BandHcommuter at 11:59, 3rd June 2014 | |
I received the email but it was automatically placed in my spam folder. Apparently Google Mail objected to one of the links therein.
I guess that SSP feel that they now have sufficient marketing information from this promotion, and can afford to chip away at the benefits. The BITE card was very useful at that pub near platform 9 on the concourse at Paddington where the so-called craft beer was about ^5 a pint full price.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 10:44, 3rd June 2014 | |
This is a change to the contracted offer, they need to advise every cardholder, regardless of whether we asked for no marketing contact....
yes, 2nd para is possible.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Network SouthEast at 10:34, 3rd June 2014 | |
Is the reason those that haven't had the email because at sign up the No Contact option was specified? According to my online account I did this, perhaps that's why I have not heard anything?
The other thing to note is that during registration you are asked what your usual departure and arrival station is. Perhaps those who have entered a station that doesn't have an SSP pub don't get the drinks offer?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 10:15, 3rd June 2014 | |
I've not had an email yet either.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 09:42, 3rd June 2014 | |
I forgot to mention, the 'heads up' came by way of an email from SSP. With them attempting to sugar the pill with the offer of a free drink. I'll take the freebie of course, but 'tis likely, when I have time to kill, you'll find me more often in the Knights Templar rather than Bonapartes at Bristol TM in future.
I've not received an e-mail, either. I'd have been rather peeved if I'd gone to use it in Blownapart's next week and only then found out about the reduction in the discount.
The range and quality of the beer is generally better in Wetherspoons, anyway.
Perhaps the 'hotels-near-stations' list needs to have a parallel 'alternative-refreshments-near-stations' list?
Good idea: I'll ask grahame how best we could set that up.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 03:51, 3rd June 2014 | |
I've not had an e-mail either.
Perhaps the 'hotels-near-stations' list needs to have a parallel 'alternative-refreshments-near-stations' list?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Ollie at 03:29, 3rd June 2014 | |
I had an email but it had no offer of a free drink:
Hi Oliver,
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands, including Bars, Burger King and Upper Crust.
You've still got one week to use your old discount at our partner brands in participating stations, so take a big BITE on your travels today!
The BITE Card Team
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands, including Bars, Burger King and Upper Crust.
You've still got one week to use your old discount at our partner brands in participating stations, so take a big BITE on your travels today!
The BITE Card Team
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 17:00, 2nd June 2014 | |
Not had that email.
Being the lazy so and so I am, I used SSP outlets before the discount so I suspect I may still do. It is ok when you know where alternative outlets are outside a station - but if time is short sometimes you can use up drinking and eating time just trying to find somewhere.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 16:53, 2nd June 2014 | |
I forgot to mention, the 'heads up' came by way of an email from SSP. With them attempting to sugar the pill with the offer of a free drink. I'll take the freebie of course, but 'tis likely, when I have time to kill, you'll find me more often in the Knights Templar rather than Bonapartes at Bristol TM in future.
Hi Justin,
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands and bars, including Upper Crust, Burger King and Camden Food Co.
So, join us this week at your favourite station bar and the first drink's on us. Enjoy a pint of Fosters or Heineken, a gin and tonic or a glass of house wine absolutely free.
The BITE Card Team
We want to let you know about a few changes to your BITE Card.
The regular BITE Card discount will now be 10% off your favourite rail station brands and bars, including Upper Crust, Burger King and Camden Food Co.
So, join us this week at your favourite station bar and the first drink's on us. Enjoy a pint of Fosters or Heineken, a gin and tonic or a glass of house wine absolutely free.
The BITE Card Team
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Timmer at 16:46, 2nd June 2014 | |
From 9th June 2014 the BiTE Card discount is reducing from 20% to 10%. That, for me, is likely to tip the balance in favour of non-SSP outlets on stations, or see me look for alternatives outside the station.
Me too, thanks for the heads up BNM. Shame because the 20% discount made paying SSP's premium prices at stations acceptable, not anymore it doesn't.| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:07, 2nd June 2014 | |
I agree: a 10% discount won't reduce those premium prices to an acceptable level, as far as my personal budget is concerned.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 15:58, 2nd June 2014 | |
From 9th June 2014 the BiTE Card discount is reducing from 20% to 10%. That, for me, is likely to tip the balance in favour of non-SSP outlets on stations, or see me look for alternatives outside the station.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 21:35, 30th August 2013 | |
There are other bus/coach stations across the UK with outlets where BiTE is accepted.
Chances are if it's one of the Select Service Partners brands/franchises then the card will be accepted. There are even a few SSP Burger King franchises on the High St where BiTE is accepted.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by trainer at 20:30, 30th August 2013 | |
I recently discovered that Bite cards are also accepted in Bristol Bus Station's Pumpkin outlet.
I'm posting in this old thread because it keeps the info with other relevant points. Hope that's ok.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:05, 30th April 2013 | |
If it is mainly green and the same thickness as a debit or credit card with a magnetic strip on the back you have one of the new ones - which I suspect is the case if you got it in February.
edit: basically what bignosemac said
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by JayMac at 20:04, 30th April 2013 | |
If your card is hard plastic with a magnetic strip on the back then it'll be of the newer type.
It was the previously issued laminated paper type cards without mag strips that are no longer valid.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Kim at 19:53, 30th April 2013 | |
I got my Bite card in February this year. Would I need to get a replacement also or do I already have the new style card?
Thanks
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:45, 5th April 2013 | |
Many thanks for that very timely reminder, bobm - darned if I can even find my old-style card, now that you mention it!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by bobm at 08:37, 5th April 2013 | |
Just a reminder for anyone who has not "upgraded" to the new plastic card that the old style ones cease to be valid from 1st May 2013.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:17, 15th May 2012 | |
most people have reported that they haven't actually had them swiped yet.
The Wellesley at Waterloo started swiping my card last week. They've got new tills. Not sure if they're still taking the old cards though and also don't know if they've sorted out debit/credit card payments yet. On the old system it used to take ages to authorise.
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by caliwag at 09:34, 13th May 2012 | |
Indeed, received mine Friday...letter promises lots of deals and updates! Thanks for the OP alert!
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by plymothian at 21:30, 12th May 2012 | |
Was reading this thinking it's been 2-3 weeks since I registered for my new card, and what should be on the mat when the postman came this morning?
| Re: BITE card - discount card for use at railway station outlets, discontinued 29 Jan 2026 Posted by paul7575 at 19:16, 12th May 2012 | |
Had no problem with my old card being accepted in the last couple of weeks but my new one has now turned up. They should be swiped but most people have reported that they haven't actually had them swiped yet.
They won't get swiped until SSP have updated the relevant outlet's POS system to include the facility. I was told that could take ages yet, as there are so many individual outlets across the country...
Paul
