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WHSmith has launched a new store format selling food and drink. The global news, books and convenience retailer has launched a new store format from its UK Travel business called Smith’s Kitchen.
The first Smith’s Kitchen opened today (15th August) in Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, with a 26 seat, 495 sq ft café. It is the latest food and drink launch this year, as WHSmith "expands its offerings for customers and partners".
The café menu includes coffee sourced from a local roastery, and hot breakfast choices, including patisserie baked in-store.
WHSmith has also launched Smith’s Family Kitchen food range with more than 30 products from sandwiches to salads to baguettes and wraps. The company said the range has performed ahead of expectations, with more than 420,000 BLT sandwiches sold since launch earlier this year.
Andrew Harrison, UK travel managing director, WHSmith said: "Whether it’s in a hospital or on their journeys, customers tell us that quality food and drink options are what they prioritise most in the different locations we serve. That’s why we have been doubling down on our food ranges and formats to ensure our customers don’t need to compromise on quality or value, as demonstrated today with the launch of Smith’s Kitchen. With the opening of our first ever own-brand café coming hot on the heels of our newly launched own-brand food range, this shows the pace of innovation across our business and commitment to delivering quality experiences and products at WHSmith for our customers and partners."
UK Travel is the largest division in WHSmith operating 590 stores across the UK in airports, hospitals and railway stations.
Matthew Hine, commercial and enterprise development manager, University Hospital Southampton, added: "UHS is delighted to have secured a long-standing partnership with WHSmith and is proud to welcome Smith’s Kitchen to our Princess Anne Hospital site where the team will be providing a new café and retail offer that can be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors."