Costa Coffee and Sainsbury's are taking their partnership to the next level. In 2026, they are opening 14 more Costa cafes inside Sainsbury's stores across the UK, a move that is changing what people expect from a regular supermarket trip.
Supermarket Evolution
Superstores are no longer just about groceries. Sainsbury's aims to give shoppers a reason to relax, grab a coffee, perhaps a pastry, get some work done, or catch up with friends. The goal is to create a space where people want to linger even after finishing their shopping. Meanwhile, Sainsbury's is making a clear break from its old self-operated cafe model, which was known for no-frills breakfasts and budget tea. Most of those cafes are now gone.
Milestone Achievement
The two companies have just reached a milestone: Costa opened its 50th in-store cafe at a Sainsbury's this month. Both brands cite this as proof that shoppers are embracing the new setup. Their official partnership began in 2024, and the expansion has already created over 400 jobs and attracted nearly 16 million pounds in investment. Costa has invested more than 3 million pounds in designing the cafes and upgrading coffee corners. This marks a significant shift in British retail, as supermarket cafes are being replaced by branded coffee shops offering everything from fancy lattes to fresh sandwiches in sleek, modern spaces.
Strategic Shift
Sainsbury's strategy accelerated in 2022 when it announced the closure of dozens of its own cafe outlets. By early 2025, the last 61 were gone. These closures freed up space and enabled the collaboration with Costa, allowing the supermarket to focus on its core business while adding a familiar coffee brand that shoppers already trust. Costa has been present in Sainsbury's for some time through over 1,000 Costa Express machines in stores and petrol stations, selling millions of cups annually. Both companies realized that expanding into full-service cafes made sense.
New Locations
Not every location has been revealed, but new Costa cafes are expected soon at Sainsbury's in Rugby, Ely, Rhyl, Cannock, and Poole. Other locations opened earlier in 2026 include Monks Cross in York, Springfield in Chelmsford, Thanet West Wood Cross in Kent, and Pepper Hill in Gravesend. According to Grocery Gazette, local news has also confirmed future openings in Nantwich, Swindon, Bridgemead, Newport, and Durham. In Nantwich, Costa is taking over the space where Sainsbury's in-store cafe used to be.
Cafe Features
These new cafes will feature Costa's modern design with comfortable seating, a full drinks menu, sandwiches, pastries, and takeaway options. In larger stores, the cafes will likely become a prominent feature near the entrance or food halls. Both companies emphasize that this is a long-term strategy, not a temporary deal. Costa's head of property, Tom Falk, pointed to the 50-store milestone as evidence of a strong partnership. Sainsbury's states that its customers are seeking better cafe experiences when shopping. This is a win-win situation: Costa gains access to steady supermarket traffic, while Sainsbury's brings in a brand that helps modernize its stores without the operational challenges of running cafes themselves.
Whether you are after a flat white or simply want a spot to meet up before the weekly shop, get ready: Costa is appearing in even more Sainsbury's throughout 2026, transforming the standard grocery run into a genuine cafe experience.
