Caffè Nero opens new site at Bluewater in Kent

High-street coffee chain Caffè Nero has opened its first outlet at a retail development, with the launch of a new site at Bluewater in Kent.

The 1,729sq ft unit, situated on Bluewater's upper Rose Gallery, has been designed to look like it is part of a traditional high street, with a brick effect façade complete with a timber-framed feature window.

Ben Price, finance director at Caffè Nero, said: "Our preference is usually for traditional town and city-centre high streets, but Bluewater is a rare exception to the rule. It offers us everything we look for: great architecture, good service, and very large numbers of coffee lovers."

Guy Thomas, head of retail leasing at Lend Lease, added: "A key element of Bluewater's success is providing guests with a varied experience, of which leisure is a vital component. Caffè Nero's location in the upper Rose Gallery, Bluewater's equivalent of a traditional high street, is therefore perfect.

"That they have used this as an opportunity to introduce a great new concept is just as important, however, and reflects the strong desire among brands to make the most of the unique opportunity that Bluewater represents."

Caffè Nero joins Byron and Pinkberry, which opened their first flagships outside central London at Bluewater in May.

Shelley Sandzer acted for Bluewater.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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