Cafes and Coffee Shops

The Cafes and Coffee Shops section on Catering Today explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the UK’s vibrant café and coffee sector. Covering independent operators, branded chains, and suppliers, it reports on store openings, menu innovation, sustainability initiatives, and shifts in consumer behaviour. With insights into operations, staffing, and technology, Catering Today provides hospitality professionals with up-to-date intelligence on the business strategies and market forces driving success in coffee-led hospitality.

Oct- 2024 -

29 October

Kitnors tearoom acquired by new operators

Kitnors tearoom in Exmoor National Park has been acquired by new operators for an undisclosed price. The property boasts a large tea garden with over 50 covers and a fully-fitted outdoor kitchen. The cottage is under a National Trust lease and also contains three-bedroom owners’ accommodation, including a large lounge-diner…
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29 October

Caffè Nero acquires Nottingham-based 200 Degrees Coffee

Caffè Nero has announced the acquisition of Nottingham-based coffee chain 200 Degrees for an undisclosed amount, as it aligns with its ongoing strategy to develop “premium, high quality, specialty” coffee brands across the world. Founded in 2012 by Rob Darby and Tom Vincent, 200 Degrees has grown into a successful…
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25 October

Michael’s Coffee House to launch in Manchester Arndale

Michael’s Coffee House has announced that it is set to open a new store in the Manchester Arndale. The independent Manchester brand has revealed it has signed a 10-year lease to occupy a 544 sq ft space on Halle Place. As well as serving a variety of hot beverages, Michael’s…
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23 October

Starbucks suspends FY guidance as Q4 revenues fall 3% to $9.1bn

Starbucks has decided to suspend its financial guidance for 2025, as consolidated net revenues dipped 3% to $9.1bn (£7bn) during the fourth quarter due to global sales falling 7% during the period. In light of the group’s recent performance, newly-appointed CEO Brian Niccol has said “it’s clear we need to fundamentally…
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16 October

Starbucks acquires 23.5 Degrees

Starbucks has announced its acquisition of franchise group 23.5 Degrees in the UK earlier this week for an undisclosed amount. This deal will bring on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees. According to the coffee chain, the deal will further…
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14 October

Parisian chef Cyril Lignac and LV open new Heathrow café

Parisian chef Cyril Lignac has announced the opening of a new café in collaboration with Louis Vuitton at Terminal 2 of the London Heathrow Airport. Centrally located in a “futuristic” open-air pavilion, Le Café Cyril Lignac at Louis Vuitton adjoins a new Louis Vuitton store, which features an “aerodynamic” façade…
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11 October

Cooks Coffee appoints new CFO

Cooks Coffee has announced the appointment of Katherine Scott as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Scott joins the group with a track record in financial management, accounting, and strategic planning, bringing over 15 years of diverse experience across multiple industries to her new role. Throughout her career, Scott…
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10 October

Cooks Coffee UK&I sales surge to £16.4m

Cooks Coffee, the international coffee focused café chain, has reported a 26.0% increase in its group store sales to £16.4m for the 26 weeks of its financial year to 29 September 2024. UK store sales were up 36.0% at £11.4m, while Ireland store sales increased 6.7% to £5.1m. The group…
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3 October

Blank Street Coffee UK turnover leaps 517% in first full year

New York-based coffee chain Blank Street Coffee has reported that UK turnover rose sharply by 517% to £11.4m ($15.2m) in the year ended 31 December 2023. Group revenues in the UK were also higher than the £1.9m ($2.3m) generated in its first six months in the market. According to its…
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2 October

Trio of F&B brands to open at Festival Place

Boswells, Heavenly Desserts and Wagamama are set to open new locations at the shopping destination in Basingstoke. Opening in Bedford Square, Boswells is a family-run cafe business established in 1972, operating throughout the South, South West and Wales. The cafe will offer a menu of made to order food, including…
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