Highlights
- Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham and Reading restaurants to reopen first in May.
- Oxford Street flagship store to feature Benugo-run restaurant on fifth floor.
- Complete rollout of 32 revamped locations scheduled for completion by 2027.
The department store chain's collaboration with Benugo, founded in 1998, follows two years of discussions and marks an expansion of their existing relationship. Benugo currently operates 10 cafes in John Lewis locations.
The first six sites scheduled for renovation are Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham, Reading and the flagship Oxford Street store, where a Benugo-run restaurant will occupy the fifth floor. Works at these locations are anticipated to commence around May.
Menu and rollout
The revamped restaurants will feature bakery items and handmade pizza on menus utilising locally sourced ingredients, according to The Caterer.
The complete set of 32 transformed locations is scheduled for completion by 2027, with remaining stores yet to be announced.
Katie Papakonstantinou, director of services and hospitality for John Lewis, noted that the customers will appreciate "a fresh and exciting John Lewis hospitality experience," adding "Our plans look amazing."
Partnership expansion
Ben Warner, founder of Benugo, told The Sun "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."
He added "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."
The partnership represents a significant expansion of dining facilities across John Lewis stores, aiming to enhance the in-store experience for shoppers while maintaining both brands' reputations for quality service.
The collaboration builds on Benugo's existing presence within the department store chain, extending their successful working relationship developed over recent years.
