John Lewis is unveiling its new own-brand café and restaurant concept, Platter John Lewis, as part of a multi-million pound investment in its in-store dining experience.
This new concept will replace the long-standing The Place To Eat brand across 32 cafés, with the first refurbished spaces reopening from this month. The investment forms part of John Lewis’ £800m multi-year investment in its brand, stores and customer experience, as the retailer focuses on giving customers even more reasons to visit, meet and spend time in its shops.
Refurbishment work has started in three John Lewis 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 extensive refurb. The Oxford Street restaurant will reopen in early August as the flagship Platter John Lewis, following a thirteen-week transformation. All 32 cafés will be refurbished and rebranded by the end of 2027.
Hospitality is an increasingly important part of the John Lewis shop experience. There are currently 62 cafés and restaurants across the store estate, with hospitality accounting for more than 20% of John Lewis in-store transactions. The category has seen sales grow by nearly 10% over the past year, as customers spend more time enjoying food and drink as part of a day out shopping.
Katie Papakonstantinou, Director of Services & Hospitality for John Lewis, said: “Customers are spending more time in our shops, and food and drink is an increasingly important part of that experience. 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.”
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, which already runs cafés under its own name in 10 John Lewis shops.
Platter John Lewis will sit alongside the retailer’s wider hospitality offer, which includes Benugo, Ori cafés, Huffkins tea rooms, Jamie Oliver Cafe and Kamakura at Oxford Street. While offering a refreshed menu, Platter will retain John Lewis customer favourites, as well as popular My John Lewis membership offers such as free hot drinks and cake.
