John Lewis makes major change affecting 32 of its stores

They have teamed up with catering company Benugo to rebrand their restaurants, after a two-year process. All of the new restaurants will focus on fresh, high-quality food. The new menus will include deli, bakery and handmade pizza options, which use local ingredients.

John Lewis’ new in-store restaurants will all run under a new brand and name, which will be revealed when the first six sites undergo their transformation this summer.

The first stores to see the change include the fifth floor of the flagship Oxford Street shop in London. Chichester, Bluewater, Norwich, Nottingham and Reading are also part of the first phase.

Work is due to commence between May and June this year, with the full 32 restaurants being completed by 2027.

John Lewis director of services and hospitality Katie Papakonstantinou said: “Our customers will benefit from a fresh and exciting John Lewis hospitality experience as we reimagine how we use the space within our stores.

“Our plans look amazing, and our restaurants and cafés will offer delicious food and drinks combined with the personal service that our customers expect and deserve.”

She added: “We’re excited to share even more details ahead of the first of the new spaces opening later this year.”

Benugo founder Ben Warner added: “We’re incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with John Lewis, and we’re excited to be growing it to create an exciting new brand.

“At Benugo, we care deeply about great food made with fresh, quality ingredients that are thoughtfully sourced and rooted in local suppliers.”

Benugo currently has cafes across the UK in landmark locations including the Natural History Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle and Regent’s Park.

The company also has restaurants and bars at the likes of ABBA Arena, Warwick Art Centre and Windsor Great Park.