Coffee Republic takes the train

COFFEE Republic is in talks with London Transport to open coffee shops at underground stations across the capital.

The 20-strong chain, which plans to open a further 17 coffee shops by the end of this year, is poised to sign a deal for one main-line station that could open within the next two months.

The company's managing director, Bobby Hashemi, would not name the station he is planning the deal with, but said that he hoped it would lead to further outlets at more main-line stations.

A spokesman from London Transport said that any coffee shops would be at street level because of health and safety regulations.

This month a Coffee Republic outlet opened at London's Heathrow Airport, and Hashemi said that he was in talks with BAA about further airport sites.