Beloved British high street retailer John Lewis has unveiled a significant and ambitious transformation plan for its in-store dining facilities across a substantial portfolio of 32 branches. The company has officially confirmed that its existing Place to Eat restaurants will undergo a comprehensive makeover, with the initial six venues scheduled to relaunch starting from the summer of 2026.
Strategic Partnership with Benugo
The department store giant has entered into a strategic agreement covering all 32 dining spaces, effectively encompassing every current Place to Eat site. This transformative partnership has been secured with the renowned coffee shop and restaurant operator Benugo, marking a significant expansion of their existing collaboration.
A Fresh Culinary and Brand Identity
Each new location will be completely reimagined with a strong emphasis on delivering fresh, high-quality food within welcoming and inviting spaces. The eateries will operate under a completely new name and distinct brand identity, which is set to be revealed publicly as the first venues open their doors later this summer.
According to industry reports from The Caterer, the revamped offerings will prominently feature an array of bakery items, deli selections, and artisan pizza choices. A core principle of the new concept will be the utilisation of locally-sourced produce, with a clear focus on building partnerships with reliable and trusted suppliers.
The First Six Locations for Transformation
The initial phase of this extensive refurbishment programme will focus on six key John Lewis stores. The flagship transformation will include a dining area on the fifth floor of the retailer's iconic Oxford Street branch in London.
The first six restaurants scheduled for transformation are:
- Oxford Street, London
- Bluewater, Dartford
- Chichester
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Reading
Refurbishment work at the Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham, and Reading locations is due to commence between May and June 2026. The entire portfolio of 32 sites is anticipated to complete the switch to the new brand and format by the year 2027.
Executive Perspectives on the New Venture
Ben Warner, founder of Benugo, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded partnership: "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."
He added, "What matters just as much to us is the people. As we expand our work together, we'll be working closely with the partners, sharing our focus on training and experience so the teams feel supported and confident to deliver the warm, welcoming hospitality that both Benugo and John Lewis are known for."
Katie Papakonstantinou, director of services and hospitality for John Lewis, remarked: "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. We're excited to share even more details ahead of the first of the new spaces opening later this year."
Enhancing the Overall Hospitality Offering
The newly transformed cafés will operate alongside other established hospitality brands within John Lewis outlets. These include the existing Ori cafés, Huffkin's Tea Rooms, and Café Jamie Oliver. The new proposition is specifically designed to enhance and significantly bolster the retailer's overall hospitality offering, creating a more diverse and appealing destination for shoppers.
