Costa Coffee has announced a new long-term partnership with UK cinema chain Cineworld that will see the coffee brand open in up to 26 cinema locations across the UK, replacing Starbucks-operated sites within the cinema network. The rollout is expected to begin this summer, with most locations scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026.
The agreement, which spans 10 years, marks a major expansion for Costa Coffee into high-footfall leisure destinations as the company continues to strengthen its UK retail presence. Each new location will feature Costa Coffee’s updated store format, including indoor seating, takeaway options, self-service ordering screens, and dedicated collection points tailored for cinema-goers. Customers will also have access to Costa’s full menu of beverages, bakery items, sandwiches, and hot food offerings.
Andrew Miller, Express and Corporate Sales Director UK&I at Costa Coffee, said the partnership would help the brand “further strengthen our presence within high-footfall leisure environments.” He added that the company is “delighted to be working with Cineworld to bring Costa Coffee to more cinema-goers across the UK.”
Tim Sparrow, Retail Director at Cineworld, said the partnership is aimed at enhancing the overall cinema experience, noting that Costa Coffee is “re-energising our coffee spaces” while helping create “warm and welcoming environments.”
As part of the transition, employees currently working at the existing Starbucks sites inside Cineworld locations will reportedly be offered the opportunity to remain and retrain under Costa Coffee’s operating standards.
The collaboration comes as Costa Coffee continues expanding its footprint across the UK through multiple partnerships and retail formats. Earlier this month, the company also announced plans to open 14 additional in-store cafés with Sainsbury’s, taking its supermarket café partnership to 64 locations.
Founded in London in 1971, Costa Coffee operates thousands of stores globally and has been owned by The Coca-Cola Company since 2019 following a $4.9 billion acquisition. The brand is present in around 50 countries, with more than 4,000 stores globally and a large Costa Express self-serve network.
