John Lewis Cafe Revamp: New Locations, Menus, and 2026 Opening Dates
The “Place to Eat” has been a British institution for decades. For many of us, a trip to John Lewis wasn’t complete without a scone and a pot of tea on the top floor. But as high street retail evolves, so does the demand for a more sophisticated dining experience.
John Lewis is responding to this shift with a massive hospitality transformation. Following a reported 10% year-on-year surge in hospitality sales in 2025, the retailer has committed to a sweeping overhaul of its in-store dining. The headline news? A major partnership with premium operator Benugo to manage and reimagine the cafes in 32 department stores.
This guide details exactly what the John Lewis cafe revamp means for your weekend shopping trips. We cover the confirmed 2026 rollout schedule, the specific “Big Six” locations launching first, and the new artisan menus replacing the canteen-style trays of the past.
The Benugo Partnership: Why John Lewis is Overhauling 32 Restaurants
The decision to outsource the running of 32 key locations marks a significant strategic pivot. For years, John Lewis operated its own “Place to Eat” restaurants. While beloved for their reliability, the format was arguably becoming dated compared to the sleek, experience-driven eateries found in modern shopping centres like Westfield or Battersea Power Station.
From “Place to Eat” to Premium Dining
This isn’t just a lick of paint. The partnership with Benugo, best known for running high-end cultural catering at the V&A Museum and the Barbican, signals a move toward “Destination Dining.”
The goal is to stop shoppers from leaving the store to find lunch. By bringing in a specialist operator, John Lewis aims to create spaces that compete directly with independent high-street restaurants. You can expect the new spaces to feel less like a school canteen and more like a modern deli-kitchen, with an emphasis on atmosphere, lighting, and table service elements.
Expert Insight: In my analysis of retail trends, this move is crucial for the “stickiness” of the store. If a customer stays for a high-quality lunch, they are statistically more likely to make a high-value purchase in Home or Fashion before leaving. This is about increasing dwell time through quality, not just convenience.
The Two-Year Competitive Tender Process
This partnership wasn’t a snap decision. According to industry reports from The Caterer, John Lewis conducted a rigorous two-year review of its hospitality operations.
The retailer invited multiple major catering firms to pitch for the contract. Benugo won based on their proven track record of handling high-volume, premium environments without sacrificing quality. This validates the “Trust” aspect of the revamp; this is a carefully calculated business move backed by verifiable success in similar venues.
The deal allows John Lewis to focus on its core retail business, reviving its “Never Knowingly Undersold” promise, while letting hospitality experts handle the food.
John Lewis Cafe Revamp Locations: The 2026 Rollout Schedule
If you are planning a visit, you need to know which stores are affected and when. The transformation will happen in waves to minimize disruption.
The “Big Six” First Phase (Summer 2026)
The first phase of the John Lewis cafe revamp kicks off between May and June 2026. These six locations were chosen likely due to their high footfall and flagship status.
- Oxford Street (London): The 5th-floor restaurant is the crown jewel of the estate. Expect the most significant changes here, with potential zoning for different dining styles.
- Bluewater (Kent): As a major regional shopping destination, this site serves a high volume of weekend families.
- Norwich: A key location for the East of England market.
- Nottingham: Centrally located in the Victoria Centre, this store has a loyal customer base.
- Reading: A critical commuter-belt store with high daily traffic.
- Chichester: Serving a demographic that aligns perfectly with the premium Benugo offering.
Full Completion Timeline (2027 Forecast)
Following the initial six, the remaining 26 locations included in the deal will be refurbished in stages. The full rollout is projected to complete by late 2027.
If your local store isn’t on the “Big Six” list (for example, Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Liverpool), it doesn’t mean you will miss out. It simply means the “Place to Eat” branding will remain in place for a few more months.
Shopper’s Note: During the refurbishment, stores usually set up temporary “grab-and-go” stations so you aren’t left without coffee. Check the specific store page on the John Lewis Official Website before travelling if you have mobility needs or specific dietary requirements.
What’s on the New Menu? Deli, Bakery, and Handmade Pizza
The biggest complaint about the old format was often the “mass-produced” feel of the hot food. The Benugo influence addresses this head-on with a focus on theatre and freshness.
Focus on Locally Sourced UK Ingredients
The new menu strategy leans heavily into the “freshly made” concept. We are moving away from hot-holding counters where food sits under heat lamps.
Key menu pillars verified in the 2026 announcements include:
- Handmade Pizzas: Dough stretched and baked to order in-store.
- Artisan Bakery: Freshly baked cakes, scones, and pastries that rival specialist bakeries.
- Deli Counters: Salads and sandwiches made with ingredients sourced from UK producers, aligning with the John Lewis Partnership’s ethics.
This shift mirrors the successful approach seen in Waitrose, emphasizing quality provenance. It appeals to the health-conscious shopper who wants a light, high-quality meal rather than a heavy, traditional cafeteria lunch.
The New “Brand Identity” Name Reveal
While we know Benugo is the operator, the actual name of the new restaurants remains a closely guarded secret. It is unlikely to carry the “Benugo” name directly on the door.
Instead, expect a unique sub-brand created specifically for John Lewis, similar to how they launched “1864” for their rooftop bar. This bespoke branding helps maintain the unique John Lewis identity while signalling that the “Place to Eat” era has officially ended.
Oxford Street Flagship: A New Hospitality Hub
The Oxford Street store is serving as the testing ground for this entire strategy. It is no longer just a shop; it is a hospitality hub with multiple distinct zones.
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School & Cafe (Floor 3)
Separate from the Benugo deal, the partnership with Jamie Oliver has already revitalized the 3rd floor. Opened in Spring 2025, this 4,600 sq ft space is more than a cafe.
It features:
- Two Cookery Classrooms: Offering lessons on everything from pasta making to knife skills.
- 50-Seat Cafe: A dedicated space serving Jamie’s signature dishes.
This diversification allows John Lewis to capture different “search intents” for visitors. You go to the 3rd floor to learn and do, and you go to the 5th floor to relax and dine.
The 1864 Rooftop Bar and Benugo 5th Floor Integration
The revamp completes the vertical dining experience at Oxford Street:
- Rooftop: The “1864” bar offers cocktails and views, targeting the after-work crowd and summer socializers.
- 5th Floor (New Benugo Concept): The core family dining engine.
By segmenting the offer, John Lewis ensures they capture every type of customer, from the coffee drinker to the cocktail sipper.
Beyond the Cafe: The Waitrose & Caffè Nero Synergy
The John Lewis cafe revamp isn’t happening in isolation. It connects deeply with the wider Partnership strategy, including Waitrose and third-party collaborations.
How MyWaitrose Loyalty Perks Fit In
A common question from shoppers is: “Can I still use my free coffee voucher?”
While the mechanics of the “My John Lewis” and “MyWaitrose” free coffee perks have evolved to require a purchase, the integration of Caffè Nero into the ecosystem suggests a new direction. In late 2024, the Partnership expanded its deal with Caffè Nero.
You can now find Caffè Nero concessions in select Waitrose stores and a standalone 1,500 sq ft site at John Lewis White City. This offers a “high street coffee” alternative for shoppers who want a known brand rather than the internal department store cafe.
Standalone Caffè Nero at White City
The White City opening proves John Lewis is willing to give up floor space to external brands if they drive footfall. This is a pragmatic move. If a shopper is loyal to Caffè Nero, putting one inside the store removes a barrier to entry.
Conclusion
The John Lewis cafe revamp is a bold, £800 million statement that the high street is far from dead. By partnering with Benugo and Jamie Oliver, John Lewis is acknowledging that in 2026, retail is as much about the experience as it is about the product.
For the customer, this means the end of the canteen tray and the beginning of a genuine dining experience. Whether you are visiting the flagship Oxford Street store or your local branch in Reading or Norwich, the summer of 2026 promises a tastier, more modern reason to visit.
The “Place to Eat” served us well, but the future of department store dining looks distinctively artisan.
Planning a visit? Check the table below for quick answers to the most common questions about the changes.
FAqs
Which John Lewis cafes are being revamped first?
The first six stores to undergo the Benugo transformation in Summer 2026 are Oxford Street, Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham, and Reading.
Is the John Lewis Oxford Street cafe open during the refurb?
While the main 5th-floor restaurant undergoes renovation, the Jamie Oliver Cafe on the 3rd floor and the 1864 Rooftop Bar typically remain open. Always check the store’s specific web page for live updates.
What happened to “The Place to Eat”?
The Place to Eat” brand is being retired across 32 stores as part of the Benugo partnership. It is being replaced by a new, premium dining concept focusing on fresh, locally sourced food.
Can I use my ‘My John Lewis’ rewards in the new Benugo cafes?
Yes, the cafes will remain part of the John Lewis ecosystem. You should still be able to earn and redeem specific loyalty rewards, though exact terms for the new operator are usually confirmed at launch.
Are the new John Lewis restaurants dog-friendly?
Generally, John Lewis stores are dog-friendly, but policies for food service areas can vary by location and local council regulations. Assistance dogs are always welcome.
Where is the Jamie Oliver cookery school in John Lewis?
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Cafe is located on the 3rd floor of the John Lewis Oxford Street flagship store.
Does John Lewis still offer afternoon tea?
Yes, the new Benugo menus are confirmed to include an “artisan bakery” element, and afternoon tea remains a staple of the department store experience, likely to be upgraded with higher quality cakes and scones.
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