Popular South African Coffee Company Launching In The UK.
Plato Coffee is set to open its first store in the UK in April of this year, with the coffee chain undergoing a massive expansion since its start in a shipping container in Centurion.
CEO Stephan Bredell said that Plato will open a new store in London at the following address: Bishopsgate, 8–9 Norton Folgate, E1 6DB
Bredell said that the new store will open on 7 April 2026. It will mark the franchise’s first foray out of Africa.
The franchise has over 100 stores across South Africa. It has already expanded out of South Africa, opening a store in Harare, Zimbabwe, in November last year.
Plato has undergone a massive expansion since it was opened by Stephan and his brother Petrus, who started the brand in a container store in Centurion.
Their first store was traded under an informal licence. The brothers would capitalise on the growing foot traffic during the COVID-19 lockdown periods.
The brothers’ expansion plan across South Africa differed from most coffee chains, with a greater focus on underserved areas, including lifestyle centres and smaller towns.
They quickly built a loyal customer base and created a recognisable brand without relying heavily on advertising.
Many customers shared their positive experiences online, helping boost the brand’s visibility. Many were drawn to some of the outlets’ long operating hours, which helped meet the varying needs of its clientele.
The chain’s clean, simple aesthetic held it apart, with stores also having a more intimate, community-focused character than its competitors.
In 2022, Plato introduced a franchise model, helping it expand to over 100 locations and hire 500 employees.
“People often think Plato is an overnight success, but I know better. What looks like momentum today was built on years of blood noses, heartaches, tough lessons, and many failures, long before the model finally clicked,” said Stephan.
“Plato isn’t just a 6-year story; it’s closer to a 20-year journey of learning, refining, testing and staying in the game long enough when things didn’t make sense.”
Not just stores
Plato Founders, Stephan and Petrus Bredell
Outside the store expansion, Plato has also undertaken a series of initiatives, including opening its own academy on Canterbury Street in District Six, Cape Town.
The academy serves as a training centre for franchise partners, baristas and the wider public.
The academy offers barista courses, workshops, classes on latte art, and other practical training for coffee lovers.
“From foundational barista training to latte art workshops and sensory experiences, each session is crafted to elevate your understanding and appreciation of coffee,” said Bredell.
The academy also features a showroom for professional coffee equipment, serving as a meeting point for professionals and casual coffee lovers.
While being a coffee retailer, Plato is also making an interesting play in loyalty, partnering with Yoco.
Plato was the first company in South Africa to roll out Yoyo’s bank card-linked loyalty system, where customers automatically earn rewards every time they tap to pay, with no other loyalty card needed.
Customers earn 5% cashback, which is reflected in their Plato app. The cashback can then be used at any Plato store in South Africa.
Rewards are embedded in the payment process, so customers only need to pay with their card or smart wallet at the payment terminal.
