"Really gutted" customers brand Waterlooville M&S cafe closure "an awful decision"
Customers have expressed their disappointment after a supermarket chain confirmed it would be closing a popular on-site cafe.
Marks & Spencer, in Wellington Retail Park, Waterlooville, is preparing to repurpose its existing cafe to make additional space for a larger foodhall, sparking concerns amongst customers.
The news comes following an ongoing expansion plan, with the company looking to double its brand by opening new stores across the country.
Rebecca Rabadia, regional manager at M&S, said: “We know many of our customers want to be able to shop a wider range of M&S Food.
“That’s why after reviewing our Waterlooville store, we are re-purposing the café space next month to offer even more delicious products, including more Select Farms produce.
“We understand this will be disappointing news for some of our customers, however our team will continue working hard to serve them in-store.”
The closure of the Waterlooville site is not the first, with multiple cafes closing recent months including venues in Crawley, Dunblane, Stirling and Congleton.
A number of readers commented on The News’ initial article regarding the closure.
Paula Hawkins wrote: “Really gutted about this, and disappointed with M&S to allow this to happen. I have my M&S Rewards drinks vouchers and live locally to here and it’s just perfect for us to enjoy a coffee, some food and a shop.”
Laura Sonnen wrote: “An awful decision.”
Suzanne Simmons added: “Such a shame.”
Josephine Longland explained: “I'm thinking big mistake. The cafe is a big part of the shopping trip for many people.”
Between November 2025 and March 2026, 20 new or renewed M&S stores are set to open as part of the chain’s growth, creating 800 jobs.
In an updated brochure of requirements, M&S has outlined that all new sites will need to be 21,500 + sqft, in a highly visible location with easy access to major roads and it will need to have dedicated parking.
A list of 500 potential locations has been published with multiple Hampshire sites featured including Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Bishops Waltham, Locks Heath/Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, Basingstoke, Fleet, Hook and Petersfield.
Supporting the potential investment in the city is Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South who has written to the retailer outlining his “strong” backing.
M&S has also been contacted in relation to the on-site cafes across Hampshire.
More updates to follow.