Member Article

Second Costa Coffee shop opens at Albert Dock

Albert Dock Liverpool has agreed a deal with Liverpool-based Optimum Group to convert two units at the Dock, totalling 3,000sq/ft, into a new Costa coffeehouse, with a 15 year lease.

Optimum, who under licence from the national coffee shop chain operate a number of franchised Costa stores across Merseyside, has spent £250k on refurbishing the units, which is the company’s second shop at the Dock.

Located in the heart of Albert Dock on The Colonnades, a 19th century, Grade 1 Listed former warehouse building which is also home to Tate Liverpool, the new Costa employs a staff of 15. It serves its famed selection of speciality coffees, from Americana to speciality lattes, a traditional range of teas, including new Twinings Infusions, plus a sweet mocha and hot chocolate range, and a delicious selection of cakes and snacks. Optimum’s first Costa store at the Dock is located at Britannia Pavilion, next to the Beatles Story.

Mark Bryan, managing director of Optimum Group, said:

“With museums, galleries and a huge range of venues to eat and drink in, amid the lofty colonnades of this architectural splendour, Albert Dock is the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, and a great place to invest and create jobs. We are delighted to continue being part of the Dock’s continued success story by opening our second store here.”

Graham Cook, director of Albert Dock Company, said:

“A visit to Albert Dock has everything, from culture at our world-class attractions such as the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum, to quality food and drink at our popular restaurants and bars. We welcome this second Costa coffee shop to the Dock, which further enhances the already fantastic visitor experience we have to offer.”

Costa Coffee was founded in London in 1971 by the Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa. Since then it has grown to over 1,700 stores across 28 countries with over 1,300 in the UK. Optimum Coffee under license from Costa currently operates 19 franchised stores across Merseyside, employing over 250 staff.

The Optimum Group, which has a diverse range of activities including MerseyVend, who provide snack machines and water coolers, continues to invest and grow within the Merseyside region and beyond, and has enjoyed a 25% increase in turnover in the last nine months. Its Costa Coffee franchise will expand this year with three new units opening in Liverpool, including the new store at the Dock.

The new Costa at the Dock will be handing out vouchers for free coffee to customers throughout the weekend.

For more information on all the upcoming events at the Dock, please visit www.albertdock.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Richards .