Coffee bar chains need to move into offices to survive

Coffee bar chains should open in large office buildings to stave off competition from bars and pubs, according to a new report.

Pubs that have reinvented themselves as cafés during the day pose an increasing threat to coffee bars, says New Directions in Drinks, a report by market analyst Datamonitor. The report says some coffee bars are already opening up small outlets to sell light meals, snacks and drinks in offices.

"Coffee bars like Starbucks have been successful, but that growth will eventually dry up. Consumers will tire of branded coffee bars in the same way that they're getting sick of All Bar One and its pine tables," says Datamonitor analyst Richard Robinson.

Robinson says workers liked to have an in-house coffee bar because it enabled them to buy food and drink without having to travel far. The main advantage for employers was that it meant staff did not spend long away from work in search of snacks.