200 Degrees continues its rapid expansion with new coffee shop in Liverpool

Nottingham-based speciality coffee roaster 200 Degrees is to continue its rapid expansion with a ninth outlet - and three more are planned for this year.

The firm was set up in 2012 by friends Rob Darby and Tom Vincent, who met while studying at the University of Nottingham, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since, opening branches in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Wales.

Now it is moving into the North West with a coffee house in Liverpool's Metquarter shopping centre, creating 20 jobs in the city. Customers will be served freshly roasted coffee from the firm's Nottingham roast house.

Tom Vincent, co-founder and director at 200 Degrees, said: “We’ve wanted to open a coffee shop in Liverpool for some time, with its vibrant culture and huge creative heritage we feel that 200 Degrees is a perfect fit for the city.

“Our new coffee shop is in a fantastic position on the ground floor of the Metquarter, a thriving retail hub that seems to be bucking the trend on the high street through its mix of large brands and small independent companies.

"We always aim to become an integral part of the community wherever we go and we want everyone here to find somewhere in the shop to relax with their coffee and hopefully enjoy some of our freshly prepared food."

The new 72-seater coffee shop is scheduled to open in July, serving food and drink alongside its roasted beans and coffee-making gadgets.

Inside the 1,950 sq ft there will also be a split bar, sunken seating area and an outdoor cafe seating area.

Jennina O’Neill, Metquarter centre manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome 200 Degrees Coffee to Metquarter. Our shoppers will now have another space to relax and enjoy quality fresh food and coffee.”

Bill Addy,   chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, added: “It is fantastic to see such an exciting company coming to the city as we proudly champion businesses across Liverpool. Driving investment to the local area remains a priority for the BID over the coming years and we’re confident 200 Degrees will see success in the city.”

200 Degrees now has a presence in cities including Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Lincoln and Cardiff.

The company started roasting coffee in Meadow Lane, Nottingham, in 2012 and opened its first coffee shop in 2014. Its coffee shops sell more than one million drinks per year.