The UK’s largest coffee chain Costa Coffee has opened a new concept, Costa Fresco.
A food-centric store, the first outlet has opened in central London, selling porridge, pastries, salads, quiches and cakes, as well as coffee.
Costa says if the concept is a success it will open more across the UK.
“We really want to bring something different to the food market in London,” said Carol Welch, Costa’s global director of brand & innovation.
“The store will be similar to the traditional Costa stores, but will have much more of a food focus. All pastries, cakes and bread will be baked on site – our customers are telling us they want more, good quality food.”
Costa, part of Whitbred for the last 20 years, has 1582 stores in the UK and more in overseas locations, including Asia.
The move into food is in part an attempt to stand out from rival coffee chains like Starbucks, adding a point of difference to attract customers.
