Costa Coffee has launched a new concept which focuses on food-to-go sales.

The Whitbread-owned chain is opening Costa Fresco today on Tottenham Court Road, London.

There is a greater emphasis on the food offer, including porridge, pastries, salads, quiches and cakes and the shop has a fresher feel with an aquatic green livery.

Costa has not said whether the concept store will be rolled out further but has been highlighting the project heavily via social media.

However a spokesman for the brand told M&C Report, a sister-title of British Baker: “As the UK’s favourite coffee shop brand, Costa is proud of its handcrafted barista drinks range. We are as passionate about our food as we are our drinks. Costa Fresco is a new store concept from Costa, offering a range of handcrafted food and service developments for our customers at breakfast and lunchtimes.”

Costa Coffee was founded in the 1970s by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa. Since being acquired by Whitbread in 1995, it has become the largest coffee chain in the UK, with 1,582 stores. This compares to Starbucks’ 719 outlets and Caffè Nero’s 508, according to figures from the Local Data Company.