Major coffee chain with 2,000 branches could return to one of ‘prettiest towns in the UK’ after disappearing last year

A NATIONAL coffee chain could be set to return to a town which is said to be one of the prettiest in the UK after the outlet disappeared last year.

Costa Coffee confirmed its branch in King Street, Ludlow, had closed in May last year.

The company did not give a reason for shutting the coffee shop.

The site has remained empty ever since.

Now it seems Costa could be making a return to the market town in Shropshire which as been named as one of the prettiest in the country by , awarding it a score of 43 out of 50.

Developers are said to have their eye on a vacant plot close to a supermarket, local councillors claim.

DRIVE-THROUGH

Leaked proposals show a scheme could be brought forward to build a new store on empty land next to the town’s Sainsbury’s.

The land had initially been earmarked to become a petrol station but it could now include a hot drink drive-through.

Further details are likely to be revealed when a full planning application is brought forward in the coming weeks.

Ludlow East councillor Tracey Huffer said she welcomed a proposed plan for the "eyesore" plot on the north-east edge of the town, just off the A49.

She said:  “A coffee retailer will suit the location.

"It’s next to Sainsbury’s and people shopping there might wish to grab a coffee.

“I am hopeful that the proposed Costa Coffee will become a meeting place for residents in Rocks Green and the new development of Henley Grange.

"All we have in the area right now is the Nelson Inn, an excellent venue but not everyone wants to meet in a pub."

Ms Huffer said there was still a lot to think about, including opening hours.

Councillor for Ludlow North, Andy Boddington, agreed the proposal would be positive for the site, adding the original plan for a petrol station was not necessary.

COSTA CLOSURES

The chain has already shut the doors to dozens of its sites in recent months.

The following branches closed, or are set to close this year:

• Packhorse Road, Buckinghamshire - January 10
• King Street, Maidstone, Kent - January 20
• Chiswick High Road, London - February 6
• Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh - February 15

Food and drink chains in general have been suffering in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

In early 2023, burger chain Byron Burger collapsed into administration resulting in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Prezzo, the Italian chain, also revealed plans to shut 46 restaurants last year as a result of soaring energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

Although some chains have managed to persevere, like Greggs which announced huge expansion plans.

Bakery chains Wenzel's the Bakers and Patisserie Valerie are also looking at opening new branches.