Coffee shops need baristas. Or do they?

Consumers say they value barista craft, but do they really care if their favourite coffee shop is pushing a button? Bradley Journeaux, Head of Research & Client Relations at World Coffee Portal, dives into the data to find out

We recently asked UK consumers whether coffee from an automated machine can rival the quality of a barista hand-crafted beverage. 17% agreed; the majority (63%) disagreed (Project Café UK 2026).

Yet look at the UK landscape. Starbucks, the best-known coffee chain brand in the world – fully automated machines. Greggs, the new UK market leader by outlets– fully automated machines.

Blank Street, one of the UK’s fastest growing chains, which has captured the cultural zeitgeist with its Gen Z-friendly menu and customer experience – you’ve guessed it: fully automated.