Marks and Spencer has confirmed it will be closing 14 cafes as part of its store restructuring strategy – with 13 in England and one in Scotland
Retail giant Marks and Spencer has announced it will close 14 in-store cafés, impacting 13 sites across England and one in Scotland.
The high street chain stated the decision forms part of a store restructuring plan aimed at “provide more product choice and improve the shopping experience.” All affected cafés in England and Scotland are scheduled to shut their doors this year.
Disgruntled customers have taken to social media to express their frustration, with one stated: “Nearly always used to do our shopping then go to the cafe. Staff reckon they’ve lost customers because of the cafe closing.” Another added: “They have closed the cafe in my local store and used the space to make a self-checkout area. Hate it.” reports the Express. A third customer said: “Crazy, the cafes are always busy, then most people will buy something in the store too!”
Another disheartened shopper said: “I like to have a coffee and then do my shopping. Probably wouldn’t bother if no cafe.”
M&S cafés serve quality coffee, sandwiches and hot meals, while offering special deals for over-60s customers, including a 10% senior discount. They also operate a popular children’s menu priced at £4.50 and offer free cake slices for parents during morning hours.
The retailer’s regional manager, Katie Whelan, stated: “We are re-purposing the café space in-store to provide more product choice and improve the shopping experience. We understand this will be disappointing news for some of our customers; however, our teams will continue working hard to serve them in-store.”
M&S cafes set to shut down in 2026.
The announcement comes after M&S recently unveiled plans to open five new UK stores, including full-line stores and food halls, with one more site set to launch this summer.
The British retailer’s latest addition, located at Fairacres Retail Park in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, opened its doors last week, with shoppers queuing outside to be the first ones in. The Fairacres branch, which has created 75 new jobs, is part of Marks and Spencer’s expansion plan, which includes the opening of brand-new supermarkets and the renewal of 11 existing stores.
The new food halls offer customers produce from M&S’ Select Farm partners, alongside an in-store bakery, coffee counter and a Hot Chicken Counter. Shoppers can also browse a Flower and Wine shop stocking Flower Market Specials and award-winning wines.
Fairacres Store Manager, Paddy Sunderland, said: “I grew up locally so it feels really special to be opening a brand-new store in Abingdon today.
“The team have done an amazing job getting the store ready and we’re proud to bring the very best of M&S Food – from trusted value to exceptional quality – to customers.
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