Change of tack for cafe group

Campbell Bewley Group is pushing ahead with expansion plans, despite the closure of three franchised cafés in Northern Ireland and one in the Irish Republic.

Next month it is to open a company managed outlet in Bexleyheath, London. This will concentrate on offering a variety of coffees and confectionery, in contrast to the wide range of hot food and drink in most of its cafés.

The company has also just opened its second hotel with adjoining café, at Newlands Cross on the outskirts of Dublin. "It features our first roadside café - all the others are in town centres," said Dan McGuinness, brand and marketing manager.

Meanwhile, the company has terminated the franchises of cafés in Londonderry, Portadown and Connswater in Northern Ireland, and one on the border with the Republic at Dundalk.

"We are doing many positive things as a company and there are always knocks along the way," said Mr McGuinness.