WH Smith launches first café concept

The nationwide retailer opened the first Smith’s Kitchen last week in Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton, with a café menu designed for patients and visitors, including hospital customers and NHS staff.

The new format is set to strengthen WH Smith’s food to go offering. More than 11 million meal deals are sold by the group each year across its 590-strong UK travel division, which incorporates sites in airports, hospitals and major travel hubs.

Smith’s Kitchen serves coffee, a selection of hot and cold breakfast choices, and pastry freshly baked in-store, as well as products from the Smith’s Family Kitchen range. The range, launched last month, features over 30 products from sandwiches and baguettes to salads and wraps.

“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,” says Andrew Harrison, MD of WH Smith's UK travel division.

“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 WH Smith for our customers and partners.”