THE company behind the UK's first AI-powered coffee drive-thru has been given the green light to open a cafe in Hereford.
Bocca Felice has been granted planning permission to open a new café in Hereford High Town, taking over the former Costa Coffee branch.
The company is known for launching the UK’s first AI-powered drive-thru café in Didcot, Oxfordshire, and describes itself as a "drive-thru and sit-in coffee chain."
Costa closed the branch in January 2025, relocating staff to its Old Market location.
Bocca Felice has proposed minor internal changes to the Grade II-listed building to reflect its brand identity.
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A design and access statement said new lighting, furniture, and associated fittings will be installed as part of the proposed fit-out in order to establish the Bocca Felice brand identity within the unit.
The Didcot site reportedly uses AI technology to produce up to 350 coffees per hour.
Costa’s former High Town site was listed with HRH Properties at a rental price of £47,500 per year.
A separate application for new branded signage, including a fascia and hanging projection sign, is still under consideration by Herefordshire Council.
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