Costa Coffee has struck a new partnership with Cineworld that will see the coffee chain open stores in up to 26 cinema locations across the UK.

Under the agreement, Costa will replace Cineworld’s current coffee offer, with the rollout set to take place throughout the year. The first stores are expected to open this summer, while the majority of sites are due to be trading by the end of 2026.

The 10-year deal is expected to create a significant long-term sales opportunity for Costa, as the business looks to expand its footprint across high-footfall leisure and retail destinations.

The new stores will offer Costa’s full range of handcrafted drinks and food, including its core coffee menu, hot food and sweet bakery items.

Each site will also feature Costa’s latest store design, combining sit-in and takeaway options for customers visiting before or after films. The stores will include self-service ordering screens, dedicated collection points and seating areas.

Existing staff at the current coffee operator’s stores will be offered the opportunity to stay on and be retrained to Costa’s standards.

Costa Coffee Express and Corporate Sales Director UK&I Andrew Miller said the tie-up would support the continued expansion of the brand’s UK footprint.

“This collaboration enables us to further strengthen our presence within high-footfall leisure environments, aligning with our strategy to meet customers wherever they are, while contributing to an enhanced cinema experience,” he said.

Cineworld Director of Retail Tim Sparrow added that the partnership marked “an exciting step forward” in improving the cinema chain’s customer experience.

“Costa Coffee is re-energising our coffee spaces and strengthening the role they play in the cinema experience,” he said. “Together, we’re focused on quality, consistency and reach, creating warm and welcoming environments that enhance the visit while keeping cinema at the heart of everything we do.”

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