Possible Clues:

• 'A cuppa for a couple when it's getting on for three, by the sound of it (3,3,3)'
• 240, as each gets the cup
• 240?
• 14 down 40?
• Cups for the couple at 2.40, by the sound of it
• 2.40: Order drinks tor both of them
• The couple had need of refreshment at twenty to three, by the sound of it
• Sounds as if it's twenty to three, so we'll both have a cuppa