Black Sheep Coffee, the Robusta rebels shaking up the UK coffee scene, are continuing their expansion across the South East with a major new opening at Lakeside Shopping Centre on 16th June 2026.
The new store occupies a prime position within one of the UK’s busiest shopping destinations – placing it amongst Lakeside’s steady flow of shoppers, families and visitors throughout the day.
The opening marks JAGH Group Limited’s debut flagship Black Sheep Coffee location. Led by Ian Watson, who brings more than 40 years of experience across the hospitality and restaurant industry, the partnership combines deep operational expertise with a long-standing passion for coffee and customer experience. Having previously worked with major brands including Burger King and Pizza Hut, Ian was drawn to Black Sheep Coffee by its disruptive approach and distinctive personality in the coffee market.
The Lakeside store is the franchise group’s first Black Sheep Coffee location and forms part of ambitious expansion plans, with the group committed to opening 35 stores over the next five years.
Designed as a vibrant all-day destination, the Lakeside space will feature Black Sheep Coffee’s signature visual identity, including bold graffiti artwork and energetic interiors, creating an environment suited to everything from quick shopping breaks and casual catch-ups to longer stays throughout the day.
The store will serve the full Black Sheep Coffee menu, from 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha to freshly made Norwegian waffles, all-day breakfast and premium bakery items – all within a space designed to keep shoppers fuelled from morning through to evening.
Ian Watson commented on the launch: “Lakeside is an incredibly exciting location for us and exactly the kind of environment where Black Sheep Coffee thrives. After spending decades in the restaurant industry, I was immediately drawn to the energy of the brand and how different it feels from anything else in the market. We’re proud to be growing with Black Sheep Coffee and bringing that experience into such a well-known retail destination.”
