WHSmith has today launched its brand new Smith’s Kitchen store format from its UK travel business.

WHSmith Smith's Kitchen

Source: WHSmith

The new Smith’s Kitchen is WHSmith’s first own-brand café format

The first of the new format Smith’s Kitchens opened today in Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton as a 495 sq ft, 26-seat café.

It’s WHSmith’s first ever own-brand café format, carrying a range comprising more than 30 of the travel retailer’s food-to-go products, from sandwiches and baguettes to salads and wraps.

The Southampton store specifically has a menu designed for hospital customers and includes coffee, hot breakfast choices and patisserie freshly baked in-store.

WHSmith UK travel managing director Andrew Harrison said: “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.

“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 WHSmith for our customers and partners.”