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John Lewis will unveil a new cafe and restaurant concept across its stores as it invests in the high street experience. The retailer will replace all 32 of its The Place To Eat cafes, its own brand, with the new concept Platter John Lewis by the end of 2027.

The first cafe will be unveiled this summer in Oxford Street, becoming the flagship restaurant after a 13-week transformation, and the brand's largest investment. Refurbishment is also under way at the Chichester and Reading stores. The retailer has not released what will be served at the restaurant yet, but it said it will have a "refreshed menu", while retaining John Lewis customer "favourites", and membership offers such as free hot drinks and cake.

Katie Papakonstantinou, John Lewis director of services and hospitality, said: "John Lewis will give customers a more modern, welcoming place to pause, meet and enjoy something delicious while they shop."

Hospitality is now a key focus for the brand, accounting for more than 20% of in-store transactions, with sales in this category growing by nearly 10% over the past year.

"Customers are spending more time in our shops, and food and drink is an increasingly important part of that experience," Ms Papakonstantinou added.

"This is an exciting investment in our hospitality offer and an important part of how we're making John Lewis shops even better places to visit.

"We're pleased to get the first refurbishments underway and look forward to opening our flagship at Oxford Street this summer."

Hospitality operator Benugo will transform and operate the new restaurants, which will run independently of the Benugo cafes already operating in 10 stores.

There are currently 62 cafés and restaurants across the John Lewis store estate. Platter John Lewis will sit alongside the retailer's other restaurants and cafes, including Ori cafés, Huffkins tea rooms, Jamie Oliver Cafe and Kamakura at Oxford Street.