John Lewis is unveiling a new own-brand café and restaurant concept, Platter John Lewis, as part of a multimillion-pound investment in its in-store dining experience.
The new concept will replace The Place To Eat brand across 32 cafés. Refurbishment work has started in three stores, with Chichester, Reading and Oxford Street the first branches to undergo investment.
The scale will vary by shop, with Oxford Street receiving the most expensive refurb. This restaurant will reopen in early August as the flagship Platter John Lewis, following a 13-week transformation. All 32 cafés will be refurbished and rebranded by the end of 2027.
John Lewis has partnered with hospitality specialist Benugo to transform and operate the new restaurants. The partnership builds on an existing 10-year relationship, with Benugo already running cafés under its own name in 10 John Lewis shops.
The investment forms part of the retailer’s £800m multi-year investment in its brand, stores and customer experience.
There are currently 62 cafés and restaurants across the John Lewis store estate, with hospitality accounting for more than 20% of in-store transactions. The category has seen sales grow by nearly 10% over the past year.
“Customers are spending more time in our shops, and food and drink is an increasingly important part of that experience,” said John Lewis director of services and hospitality Katie Papakonstantinou. “Platter John Lewis will give customers a more modern, welcoming place to pause, meet and enjoy something delicious while they shop.
“This is an exciting investment in our hospitality offer and an important part of how we’re making John Lewis shops even better places to visit. We’re pleased to get the first refurbishments underway and look forward to opening our flagship at Oxford Street this summer.”
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