John Lewis reveals new concept for in-store restaurants

John Lewis has revealed its new concept for its in-store dining in full, with Platter restaurants set to replace existing restaurants across its 32 stores by the end of 2027.

The retailer’s flagship Platter restaurant has now opened at its Oxford Street store, showcasing the concept in full for the first time. The space features an open kitchen serving hand-stretched pizza, a made-on-site deli, a dessert parlour, a stylish bar overlooking the shop’s atrium and fifty outdoor covers on the fifth-floor terrace.

The change reflects how differently people shop now. Hospitality accounts for more than 20% of John Lewis in-store transactions and sales have grown by nearly 10% in the past year, as customers spend longer in shops and increasingly treat eating as part of the trip rather than a break from it. Each Platter restaurant will be designed around the scale and character of its shop, so what customers find will vary by location.

Katie Papakonstantinou, Director of Services and Hospitality for John Lewis, said:

“This is a real investment in something customers told us mattered. Sitting down for something to eat and drink has become part of how people shop and Platter is built for that.”

The new vision for John Lewis’ restaurants forms part of an ongoing £800 million multi-year investment in the retailer’s stores.

The programme recently saw the opening of new Sports and Wellbeing departments in four of its stores, including John Lewis Cheadle. It has also announced this summer a £50 million investment across five other stores.