A major coffee chain has confirmed the imminent closure of a branch in a UK village. The cafe has been serving the local community for the last 11 years but will close for good on Friday (May 15).
Costa Coffee has announced the closure of its site in Hale Barns near Altrincham, Greater Manchester, despite recent expansion plans, including nearly 40 new drive-thrus and 14 more locations within Sainsbury’s. The chain operates over 2,700 locations across the nation but the closest Costa Coffee to Hale Barns will now be at Manchester Airport. The company has not given a reason for the closure but confirmed staff would be redployed to other areas.
A Costa spokesperson told the Messenger: “We can confirm that our Costa Coffee store on The Square in Hale Barns will close on Friday, May 15, 2026. This was not an easy decision, and we’d like to thank our customers for their support over the years. All our talented team members have been redeployed to other Costa Coffee stores.”
The cafe, which spanned 1,500 square feet and could serve 57 customers inside and a further 24 outside, opened in February 2015. It was created as part of a wider £30 million redevelopment of the previous shopping site.
However, the sudden closure was confirmed last week and marks the end of the chain’s only cafe in the area. A number of locals have reacted to the news, with one saying on Facebook: “I cannot believe this, no Costa, but an Asda…..sign of times…”
A second person wrote: “Nothing left on the square now it’s a shame.”
A third put: “I heard that landlord increased the rent by a huge amount.”
The closure comes as Costa Coffee continues to expand across the UK, focusing on drive-thru sites and its partnership with Sainsbury’s. The chain is opening over 14 new in-store cafes within Sainsbury’s and plans up to 40 new drive-thrus this year, following the opening of its 400th location.
Meanwhile, a £3.5 million investment project is planned to upgrade sites across London. Some cafes will also benefit from the creation of self-service kiosks and in-store seating.