Coffee chain with 2,000 branches may return to one of 'the most beautiful cities in Great Britain'

A NATIONAL coffee chain could return to a city said to be one of Britain's most beautiful after its store disappeared last year.

Costa Coffee confirmed that its branch in King Street, Ludlow, had closed in May last year.

The company did not give a reason for closing the coffee shop.

The site has remained empty since then.

Now it looks like Costa could return to the Shropshire market town, which by The Telegraphgiving it a score of 43 out of 50.

Developers are reportedly eyeing a vacant plot near a supermarket, city councilors claim.

LEAKED PROPOSALS

Leaked proposals show a plan to build a new store on empty land next to Sainsbury's in the city could be brought forward.

The site was initially intended as a petrol station, but now it could also house a drive-through for hot drinks.

A coffee retailer suits the location

Ludlow East councilor Tracey Huffer

Further details are likely to be revealed when a full planning application is submitted in the coming weeks.

Ludlow East councilor Tracey Huffer said she welcomed a proposed plan for the “eyesore” plot on the north-eastern edge of the town, just off the A49.

She said: “A coffee retailer suits the location.

“It's next to Sainsbury's and people shopping there might want to have a coffee.

“I am hopeful that the proposed Costa Coffee will become a meeting place for residents of Rocks Green and the new Henley Grange development.

“All we have in the area now is the Nelson Inn, which is an excellent location, but not everyone wants to meet in a pub.”

However, Ms Huffer added that there was still a lot about the application that needed to be looked at again, including the opening hours.

Ludlow North councilor Andy Boddington agreed the proposal would be positive for the site as the original plan for a petrol station was not necessary for the town.

COSTA CLOSURES

The chain has already closed the doors of dozens of branches in recent months.

The following locations have closed or will close this year:

• Packhorse Road, Buckinghamshire – January 10
• King Street, Maidstone, Kent – January 20
• Chiswick High Road, London – February 6
• Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh – February 15

Food and beverage chains in general have suffered in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending money on eating out.

Businesses struggled to recover after the pandemic but were hit by rising energy bills and inflation.

Several chains have been affected, causing major brands such as Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's to close branches.

In early 2023, hamburger chain Byron Burger collapsed, resulting in the loss of more than 200 jobs.

Italian chain Prezzo also announced plans last year to close 46 restaurants due to rising energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

Although some chains have managed to persevere, such as Greggs who announced massive expansion plans.

Bakery chains Wenzel's the Bakers and Patisserie Valerie are also looking at opening new branches.

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