Morrisons has invested more than £16 million to improve all 406 of their cafés. Changes can be seen in the décor, new menus, and new technology. In addition to giving the indoor dining areas a new fresh look, 136 cafés received a revamp with brand new outdoor furniture. They also have made improvements throughout their cafés to ensure that diners will feel safe during the pandemic.

COVID-19 has changed the customer and server relationship, limiting the amount of contact between them as much as possible. Morrisons’ new Order & Pay application allows for customers to order and pay with their device without needing to leave the table, a similar option that is commonly seen in restaurants and pubs. In addition to this, COVID-19 safety screens have been installed around the tables, providing customers with additional safety.

The NHS currently estimates that one in four adults and around one in every five children (aged 10 to 11) are affected by obesity. As restrictions are easing and more people are going back to work and spending less time at home, the demand for ready meals will increase again.

The UK has been tackling obesity for a long time, prompting supermarkets around the country to focus on this issue. Morrisons has taken initiative with their ‘Nourish’ range that launched in January, focusing on ingredients that are beneficial and can boost a customer’s health. Products were chosen to provide a variety of health benefits for bones, heart, gut, skin health, and to improve immunity.

Morrisons has also revolutionised their café menu. With the mission to make meals healthier, chefs have either reduced or eliminated ingredients like sugar, fat and salt in their dishes. They also offer a variety of takeaway options, offering delicious meals like beef pepper masala, three bean chilli burrito bowl, or veggie burger, to name a few. For more adventurous eaters, the new recipes at the café consist of dishes with international flare and aromas like cottage pie, paella, bucatini, or moussaka. These dishes are available to pick up in-store or can be ordered online.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UK recorded the largest fall from 2019 pre-pandemic GDP levels, dropping by 8.7%.

However, during the economic recovery process, not everyone can afford to dine in a restaurant.

Cafés in retailers are the marriage between a restaurant and affordable food. They also are a great time-saving option that welcomes the return of normality, allowing customers to shop and dine at one location.

After experiencing three lockdowns and restrictions during the pandemic, many people learned to appreciate food by cooking from scratch with quality ingredients. Morrisons has caught onto this trend by updating their menu according to the new culture of cuisine within the UK, which is heading to a more progressive take on flavours and preferences.

Some dishes contain fresh fish and bread from Morrisons Market Street counters and Morrisons ‘The Best’ products. As consumer preferences change and more people follow a meat-free diet, Morrisons has learned to accommodate with their vegan and vegetarian menus.

To help further the enjoyment of the in-store coffee experience, Morrisons’ 93 barista bars are serving a range of hot and cold drinks, making it easier to have a joyous day out after shopping for groceries.