If you’re a regular Waitrose goer and a proud owner of its loyalty card, you’ll probably know already that you can get a free Caffè Nero from a self-service machine to fuel your grocery shop. Now, John Lewis Partners (which owns the supermarket) has started introducing in-store cafés with baristas to serve sit-in complimentary coffee.
The first five of the new Caffè Neros have already opened at Waitrose outlets in Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath, and Stroud. Another is set to open at the John Lewis store in White City, west London.
The new openings build on the partnership between the coffee chain and John Lewis Partnership that began in 2021. It brought free hot drink machines to 320 Waitrose stores across the UK for anyone with a My Waitrose loyalty card. Baristas at the in-store cafés will also serve snacks and meals to keep shoppers going.
Waitrose commercial director Charlotte Di Cello told the Times: ‘Our stores are hubs for local communities across the country and we know our customers love to have the option of enjoying a coffee, snack or meal after their shop.’
Will Stratton-Morris, Caffè Nero’s UK CEO, added that ‘there is still so much scope for our partnership to continue to grow.’
Time Out and the British high street
In other news from the UK high street Nando’s is opening 14 new restaurants, Sephora plans to launch 20 new UK stores, UNIQLO opened its first Scottish outlet and the UK’s best shopping centre has been crowned for the 2024 festive season. And speaking of Caffè Nero, read how one of its branches became a vital space for London’s gay community.
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