UK-based coffeehouse company Caffè Nero is set to enhance its presence at London’s Stansted Airport with the launch of its first-ever 24-hour drive-through store later this year, The Caterer reported.

The new venue has been built with an investment of more than £1.2m ($1.5m). It will be situated 500 yards (450m) from the terminal on the main access road and will serve both airport visitors and the general public.

Spread across 1,200ft², the café features a custom design and is expected to create 16 new jobs.

In addition to its food and beverage offerings, the site will provide electric vehicle charging facilities and parking spaces for customers.

This development is a continuation of Caffè Nero's existing partnership with Stansted Airport and will increase the brand's total number of outlets at the location to five.

The Caterer quoted Caffè Nero group CEO Gerry Ford as saying: “I didn't want to open such a store until we found a location had a format where we could offer a premium experience, combined with the convenience you would look for in a drive-through. Our partnership with Stansted Airport allowed us to achieve just that.

“This store is an experiment for us. It allows Caffè Nero to expand its store format, and it will be the template for further drive-through stores in the future.”

Caffè Nero's move into the 24-hour drive-through space follows in the footsteps of its competitors.

Coffee chains such as Costa and Starbucks have been operating drive-through outlets in the UK for more than ten years, and other foodservice brands such as Greggs and Leon have also entered the market within the last three years.

The Nero Group, which oversees the Caffè Nero brand, operates more than 620 cafes across the UK and employs over 6,500 staff members.