Morrisons launches first UK in-store bar

Morrison’s has launched the UK’s first in-store bar at its Guiseley in West Yorkshire called Barista, as part of the new look cafe.

Leeds City Council licensing committee granted the supermarket a variation on its off-licence, allowing it to dispense alcoholic drink for consumption on the premises.

The outcome means the site can supply alcohol for consumption on the premises between 6.00am and midnight. Committee members were told that this was a trial store for this type of licence, which if successful would be rolled out across the country.

Barista offers a drinks menu that includes Saltaire Blonde ale, from a local Saltaire brewery, as well as a selection of wine, ciders and lagers..

Morrison’s reported its first increase in sales in four years last year, with the rise largely attributed to bulk alcohol sales.

The supermarket’s chief executive, David Potts, told the Guardian in January that alcohol had been the ‘standout department’ contributing to a 0.2% rise in overall sales.