There’s been negative coverage over a new “family” coffee chain that is actually backed by Tesco. Why do people become vexed?
With its exposed brickwork, muted lighting and expensive decor, Harris and Hoole is the epitome of a modern, upmarket coffee shop of the kind that has colonised the UK’s High Streets in recent years.
The one sound you won’t hear amid the tinkle of ceramic cups and relaxed chat, is a tannoy announcement saying “clean-up in aisle seven”.
Yet Harris and Hoole would not be expanding quite as rapidly as it is without the financial backing of supermarket giant Tesco.
The multinational retailer owns a 49% stake of the firm. Not that you would know this from a visit to one of its 10 outlets or the company’s website, where Tesco barely merits a mention.