Sainsbury’s closing all 61 in-store cafes for good in just HOURS in huge shake-up – see the full list

SAINSBURY’S will close its final 61 in-store cafes in just hours as part of a major shake-up.

Today marks a turning point for many customers who once enjoyed a coffee and a chat amid their weekly shop at the superstore.

Sainsbury’s first announced the closures back in January, with a spokesperson stating: “In January, we shared the difficult decision that our remaining Sainsbury’s cafes would be closing and this will take place on April 11.

“We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause.

“Our stores continue to support the customers and communities they serve in a range of ways, including through fundraising, volunteering and donations to good causes.

“We’re exploring future opportunities for the space and will keep our colleagues and customers updated.”

Sainsbury’s revealed that the decision to close its cafes was due to fewer customers using them, with shoppers preferring its hybrid cafe and food halls instead.

It is likely that the cafes will be replaced with restaurants run by huge franchises such as Starbucks and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

The closures are part of a larger shake-up by the supermarket, which was announced at the beginning of 2025.

Sainsbury’s is also getting rid of any remaining patisserie, bakery, rotisserie and pizza counters in larger stores.

We have asked Sainsbury’s when these counters will close and will update this story when we have heard back.

In the meantime, shoppers should race down to their local store this afternoon for a final hurrah.

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The current most popular products from pizza and patisserie counters will be moved to other parts of the store.

This means that shoppers will still be able to take advantage of popular bakery items, whilst self-service bread machines will be fazed in.

Rotisserie counter chickens will be moved to hot cabinets next to the sandwich fridges, with gluten and dairy free products understood to be being placed on the freed up counters.

Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive, said in January the supermarket was facing a “challenging cost environment”.

He added: “The decisions we are announcing today are essential to ensure we continue to drive forward our momentum but have also meant some difficult choices impacting our dedicated colleagues in a number of parts of our business.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to support anyone impacted by today’s announcements.”

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Sainsbury’s also announced plans in January to cull 3,000 jobs from its head office.

It will see about 20% of senior management roles cut as part of plans to focus on fewer, bigger roles.

The cuts were announced despite Sainsbury’s toasting its “biggest ever” Christmas trading period.

However, the retailer is also looking to cut costs by £1 billion-a-year, and last year it cut about 1,500 roles, mostly from a contact centre in Cheshire.

The company said in late 2024 that tax increases from the October Budget would hit it with an extra £140 million in costs, warning that the changes would also lead to higher inflation.