Afternoon coffee runs rise in the UK

Lunch and afternoon now generate more than half of daily visits.

The afternoon now accounts for 27% of daily visits to UK coffee shops and bakeries, up from 25% in 2024, according to Meaningful Vision data.

The increase has been consistent, with the 3PM to 6PM share rising to 26.5% in 2025 before reaching 27% in 2026. 

Lunch remains the largest daypart, generating 36% of daily traffic, whilst the 9AM to midday period accounts for 25%. Early morning, between 6AM and 9AM, represents only 6%, equal to the share recorded after 6PM.

Together, lunch and afternoon occasions now generate 63% of daily coffee shop and bakery visits.

The market average hides substantial differences between operators. Meaningful Vision’s daypart analysis uses a 31% benchmark for morning traffic and a 27% benchmark for afternoon visits.

“Some brands perform strongly throughout the day, while others are much more dependent on either morning or afternoon demand,” Maria Vanifatova, CEO of Meaningful Vision, said.

Vanifatova said 200 Degrees Coffee generates a higher volume of afternoon visits despite sitting below the morning average. Harris + Hoole, and Coffee Republic are positioned more strongly in the morning but fall below the afternoon benchmark. Starbucks has the most balanced ability to attract customers across morning and afternoon occasions.

“Operators need to understand their own traffic profile and compare it with the competitors serving the same customers and locations. Promotional activity and meal deals should also be linked to dayparts, and we now see more and more brands are using this path,” Vanifatova said.