Benugo wins contract to transform 32 John Lewis in-store restaurants

Café brand Benugo has partnered with John Lewis on a programme to transform 32 of the retailer’s in-store restaurants, including all existing Place to Eat locations.

Benugo secured the partnership following a two-year competitive process, which builds on more than a decade of collaboration, during which Benugo has operated cafés in 10 John Lewis branches.

All the new sites will be redesigned with a focus on fresh, high-quality food and welcoming spaces. 

The restaurants will operate under a new name and brand, which will be unveiled as the first sites open this summer.

Menus will include bakery, deli and handmade pizza options, all using locally-sourced ingredients and a focus on working with trusted suppliers.

The first six locations being transformed are scheduled to reopen from summer 2026, including a space on the fifth floor of John Lewis’s flagship Oxford Street store in London. Works at Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham and Reading are set to begin between May and June, with the full estate expected to transition by 2027.

Ben Warner, founder of Benugo, said: “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.

“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, added: “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.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The cafés will sit alongside other hospitality brands within selected John Lewis stores, including Ori cafés, Huffkin’s Tea Rooms and Café Jamie Oliver, with the new offer designed to complement and strengthen the retailer’s overall hospitality mix.

Benugo also provides catering in UK destinations including the V&A, Natural History Museum, ABBA Voyage and Edinburgh and Stirling Castles.

The brand is part of Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), which also operates BaxterStorey, Geniune Dining, Holroyd Howe, Caterlink and Searcys.