Esquires Coffee is laying the groundwork to become key contender in the UK and Ireland

The neighbourhood café chain often flies under the radar compared to its higher-profile peers, but a successful growth strategy is already enabling the Cooks Coffee-owned operator to make a bigger splash

While some coffee chains are pursuing growth through speed-of-service and convenience formats, such as kiosks and drive-thru, Esquires Coffee is sticking with its tried-and-tested formula for UK and Ireland growth.

New financial results for its parent company, New Zealand-based Cooks Coffee, suggest little reason to divert from the strategy, which focuses heavily on suburban outlets growth, cosy neighbourhood cafés and comfortable interiors to cater for longer-stay visits.