Soho Coffee Co. makes its northern debut . . .
SSP News Release 27-February-2009
. . . Friday 27 February saw the official welcoming of SOHO Coffee Co. to Manchester Airport. This is the South West coffee brand’s first venture ‘up North’ bringing its unique organic coffee experience to Terminal 1 and 2 courtesy of SSP UK, the food travel experts.
SSP UK MD Nathan Wall, SOHO Directors Penny Manuel and Chris Copner, Manchester Airport Commercial Director Andrew Harrison were all present to celebrate SOHO’s Northern arrival and sample some of its now legendary Banoffie Pie.
Talking about the brand’s Northern adventure, SOHO Director, Chris Copner comments, “Everyone at SOHO is thrilled to be opening at this wonderful new location. Manchester Airport is one of the UK’s premium airports, with a tremendous amount of traffic passing through both terminals every day. This is the sixth airport store we’ve opened in partnership with SSP UK and the first in the North. Having a presence in the North West’s capital city is an exciting move for us, and gives huge exposure for the growing SOHO brand. Following the success of this venture, we are considering further expansion in the region.”
Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome SOHO Coffee Co to terminal 1 and 2. It’s a great new offer for our airport from SSP, providing something new and different, which both contrasts with and complements our existing facilities. It is part of our multi million pound terminal redevelop scheme, all designed to give our passengers with as much choice as possible when they start their journey in Manchester.'
Since the modest SOHO Coffee Co. chain was taken over in 2007 by Penny Manuel and Chris Copner, they have taken ambitious steps to expand it from a handful of stores to a 15 strong chain in just 18 months predominantly around the South Western region. Manchester’s two new additions are the latest in the SOHO portfolio making Manchester only the second airport to boast a double set after the brand’s home airport Bristol.
Dedicated to serving organic, fair-trade coffee brewed from its house blend of 100% Arabica beans SOHO is not ‘just another coffee shop’. Its ethos is simple; to provide customers with the best quality coffee and food using organic products where possible. All freshly prepared in the kitchen each day - from roasted beef sandwiches, jumbo jacket potatoes, homemade soup to delicious homemade banoffee pie, as well as a selection of wraps and salads.
Designed with urban chic in mind, both outlets combine a contemporary style with an easy charm. The rich, vibrant hues of purple and lime complement the dark wood tones, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere with classic banquet seating, funky poseur height tables and stools and also dining shelves. The layout and design lends itself to both a dining experience or ‘quick caffeine fix’ on the move, so there really is something to suit everyone.