Starbucks introduces strict rule for anyone trying to get viral Bearista cup

Guys, it's happening - the viral Starbucks 'Bearista' cup is coming to the UK.

But the coffee chain has anticipated the absolute craziness that's about to come and has chosen to enforce a strict rule for all those hoping to nab it.

If you have no idea what we're talking about, essentially, over in the US, people became obsessed with a limited edition bear-shaped glass coffee cup released by Starbucks.

Dubbed the 'Bearista,' it's a 20-ounce, teddy bear-shaped tumbler, complete with a green-straw 'beanie' - very cute, I have to say.

The $29.95 product instantly went viral in America when it was released in November, and fans went crazy for the cup, rushing to stores to get their hands on one.

They were so popular that within a matter of hours of the release, they'd completely sold out, prompting fury among those who missed out.

The backlash became so intense that Starbucks was forced to issue a formal apology, acknowledging that demand had 'exceeded expectations'.

A spokesperson said in a statement at the time: "The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations, and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast.

"We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologise for the disappointment this may have caused."

And now, it's the UK's turn to get its hands on the sell-out product.

Starbucks UK announced the news on its Instagram feed yesterday (12 January), teasing fans with a picture that showed only the top of the bear's hat and the straw.

The company wrote in the caption: "This is not a drill... see you 15.01", and of course, fans instantly knew exactly what it was referring to.

However, after the wild scenes that happened across the pond, the company has taken a big preventative measure.

To ensure that as many people as possible can get their hands on the viral cup, Starbucks is limiting customers to one 'Bearista' each.

So, if you were hoping to nab one for all of your friends and family, unfortunately, that won't be possible as you will only be allowed to purchase one.

One excited fan wrote in Starbucks' Instagram comments: "I can’t believe we’re getting them too!!" as another joked: "I give it an hour before they’re on Vinted for £75".

A third echoed: "I've just seen them and they are beautiful", as a fourth pointed out: "As much as I’d like one, I just cba if it’s going to cause a riot."

All I can say is, if you're hoping to get one, good luck!