When Stormzy rapped a verse on Bonkaz’s And Dat back in 2016 – ‘Grew up on yum-yums, Greggs and that’ – it’s unlikely he knew the glory that would later come his way courtesy of the nation’s favourite baker.
This week he announced on Twitter that he was the first person ever to receive the Greggs version of a black card, giving him free steak bakes, sausage rolls, and any other treats from them for life.
Black cards are the holy grail of celebrity, because they have an unlimited value, and are something of a status symbol to boot.
But Greggs isn’t the only one to offer them. There’s a world of free food out there for those lucky enough to be given it.
Greggs
First thing’s first we have to mention Greggs. Their concierge card is still in the early stages, as we know from the fact that just one person has been given one.
That doesn’t mean to say the bakery chain won’t dole out more in future, but if Stormzy is the benchmark you might have to win a few Brit Awards, Ivor Novellos, and MOBOs.
On that note, perhaps paying for our own doughnuts isn’t so difficult after all.
Nando’s
The Nando’s black card is perhaps the one that started the trend, and celebrities including Ed Sheeran, David Haye and David Beckham are all rumoured to have got one.
It entitles the holder to free food and non-alcoholic drinks for them and up to four friends. That’s one starter, one combo meal, one dessert and one soft drink each. Sorted.
On the Nando’s website, it says ‘we can tell you for certain is that no-one who’s requested a card, no matter how politely, has ever received one. Asking for one is simply the biggest taboo — a definite no-no.’
Don’t be needy. Let them come to you.
Burger King
The BK version of this is called the Crown Card, and there are only around 12 known holders around the world.
It isn’t just a case of being a celebrity, though, you have to have a ‘relationship’ to the brand.
For example, George Lucas has one after regularly partnering with Burger King for Star Wars promotions, and Jennifer Hudson has one because she used to work in the drive-thru and would sing into the microphone when cars came around.
This ‘black card’ is for real ones only. Loyalty matters to the King.
McDonald’s
This one is also just for the elite but apparently especially people who could pretty much afford to buy a Happy Meal for everyone on earth.
Known McGold Card holders are Mitt Romney, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates. Like they need it.
For us normies, the home of the Big Mac graced us with a competition a few years back where someone won one of the elusive cards. If that winner wants to hit us up and become best pals, please do so.
YO! Sushi
The YO! Sushi black card first came to our attention on their Facebook this year as part of a competition.
The Japanese food chain had hidden two of the cards in one of their stores, and only those dining there would be eligible to find them. If they did, though, the rewards were numerous.
We never did find out who the winners were and what they got with their cards, but we’ll still be keeping an eye on YO!’s socials in case there’s a round two of the competition.
Rosa’s Thai Cafe
Another social media competition gave us the head’s up that cult London chain Rosa’s did at one point have a black card.
It was all part of a competition with MOB Kitchen, and the winner got £150 worth of food and drinks to spend there every single month.
It’s the stuff of dreams but also pretty much the stuff of legends as we’ve never seen one since.
Subway
Just a glance at Reddit will show you that there are tons of people who want to get their hands on one of these bad boys.
Much like the rest, they’re invite-only, and were popularised after Jared Foley (who was previously the brand’s spokesperson but is now in jail for sex offences) was given one.
It’s not clear if anyone has one, and Subway have yet to confirm whether Jared’s was rescinded after the charges against him came to light.
Abrakebabra
It’s unlikely you’ll actually get your hands on this one, but it does exist. The Irish kebab shop gave their first and only (so far) black card to actor Colin Farell.
They do have a gold card – also known as a Doner card – however, which allows the holder free food for life. These are still rare but slightly less so, and those known to have one include Bono, Alan Carr, and Cheryl Cole, after they all hyped up the Turkish delicacies they’d had there.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/21/black-cards-can-get-stormzy-first-receive-greggs-one-12280086/
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