Independent speciality coffee shop to open at The Forum this spring

Forum Coffee, a speciality coffee shop working with Gloucestershire-based roastery Ethical Addictions, will open this spring, serving speciality coffee sourced directly from farmers around the world.

The coffee shop, which is currently recruiting to key roles, will benefit from The Forum’s prime city-centre location, just a short walk from Gloucester’s bus and train stations and adjacent to Kings Square.

Forum Coffee co-founder Hudson Talbot said: “This is our first speciality coffee shop, so finding the right flagship location was crucial for us, and The Forum immediately felt like the right fit.

“It gives us the space to do something genuinely different and to showcase what our coffee is all about. We’re excited to create a coffee shop that Gloucester hasn’t experienced before.”

Alongside quality hot drinks, a dedicated “roasters’ corner” will give customers the chance to meet the team, learn about the roasting process and see the beans up close. Visitors can grab a coffee to go or spend longer enjoying a more immersive coffee experience.

Forum Coffee will also offer a high-quality food menu including brunch, lunches and baked goods, supported by an in-house kitchen team and collaborations with local, independent suppliers such as artisan bakers and gelato makers.

The team is currently recruiting for key roles including general manager, kitchen lead and head barista, with front-of-house roles to follow closer to opening. Early hires will play a part in shaping the menu, culture and overall approach.

The Forum is a £107million mixed-use development in Gloucester city centre, brought forward by Gloucester City Council and developers Reef + Partners.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “The Forum is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for Gloucester, and it’s great to see independent businesses choosing to make it their home. Supporting local enterprises to grow and the new jobs that they create is central to our vision for a thriving city economy. I’m delighted to welcome Forum Coffee to this landmark development and look forward to the energy it will bring to the city centre.”

Peter Langly-Smith, managing director of Reef + Partners, said: “Forum Coffee is exactly the kind of independent business this space was created to support. From the outset, our ambition has been to keep The Forum rooted in Gloucester by championing local businesses with strong values and a clear vision.

“Forum Coffee will play an important role in creating a destination that brings people into the city centre, supports regeneration and delivers long-term value for Gloucester.”

Local contractor Cobus Spaces has begun work on the internal fit-out, following their successful completion of the neighbouring Patch at The Forum. The third generation Gloucester firm has delivered high-quality design and build office projects across the UK for over 20 years, working with a range of clients in the workplace and higher education sectors.