Boost for UK town as major coffee chain set to open in December

A UK town is set to get a major boost as the popular chain Black Sheep Coffee will open its first shop in the area next month. The nationwide brand will be unveiling its new store in Norwich in December, as locals will soon be able to get their hands on the company's famous speciality-grade Robusta beans. Located in Chantry Square, Black Sheep Coffee will soon be offering its iconic Norwegian waffles, all-day breakfast and bakery treats to residents in Norwich.

Jo Bates, centre manager at Chantry Place, said: "We can confirm that Black Sheep Coffee opens on Chantry Square in mid-December. We definitely recommend that shoppers in Norwich look out for some launch offers for a welcome warming treat when doing some last-minute Christmas shopping!"

Black Sheep Coffee was founded in 2013, and has since expanded to more than 50 locations across the UK.

The new shop, which will be one of more than 100 sites globally, will be open for consumers on December 16, meaning that locals can get their caffeine kick while completing any last minute Christmas shopping.

The coffee shop opening will mark the third new store on Chantry Square this year, following the major chains Wingstop and Mowgli.

The empty unit is part of the former Byron Burger in Chantry Square, which closed in 2023 and was divided into two, with Rosa's Thai taking over half of it last year.

The coffee chain recently secured deals for a minimum of nine new locations across Hertfordshire too, although exact locations of these sites have not been revealed.

Black Sheep Coffee already has a store in St Albans and is expanding its sites throughout London.

The Hertfordshire territory has been awarded to Virutthasalam Prabhakaran, known as "Prabha", a Black Sheep Coffee franchisee with multiple stores across the capital.

"Prabha has already proven to be an exceptional partner, and we're excited to see this next chapter unfold," said Izzy Childs, EMEA growth director at Black Sheep Coffee.

"Hertfordshire represents a fantastic opportunity for Black Sheep Coffee to continue its mission of shaking up the high street with quality coffee and standout store experiences."