Lexington, supported by Elior Vending, has launched the UK’s first fully robotic barista coffee counter at BT’s Snowhill office in Birmingham, marking a major step forward in automated, high-quality coffee service.
This ground breaking deployment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of automated coffee service technology, bringing greater consistency and quality to speciality drinks. The robotic barista surpasses traditional vending machines by incorporating a robotic arm that prepares and serves speciality coffee using a barista coffee machine with the skill and precision of a professional, human barista. Situated next to the traditional coffee counter, it reduces queues during peak periods, and its 24/7 functionality provides barista coffee out of hours.
Developed with input from a professional barista, the system reproduces bespoke recipes and techniques to ensure every drink meets premium coffee standards. It can produce up to 450 cups per day, delivers beverages in an average of 98 seconds and operates within a compact 5m² footprint.
The robot offers a comprehensive menu of hot and iced classics – from espressos to iced lattes – supported by cloud-based software for secure data management, remote menu updates, and real-time performance insights. Maintenance is simple, requiring only one hour per day and no specialist skills, enabling teams to manage multiple units with ease.
Sean Ritson, Divisional Director of Lexington Catering, part of Elior UK, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be working with GW Projects, to bring the UK’s first fully robotic barista coffee counter to life at BT Snowhill. The system represents the future of autonomous service, guaranteeing consistent, high-quality coffee and a fantastic experience for everyone on site.
“The adoption of this robotic technology also provides valuable support to our colleagues during busy periods, enabling them to focus on delivering a more personalised service to customers and undertaking higher-value activities for our client.”
Sarah Morrison, Catering, Events & Hospitality Manager from BT, said: “We’re very excited to be the first office in the UK to experience a robotic barista. It’s creating a real buzz amongst colleagues, and the feedback has been fantastic. People are not only impressed by the technology, but they also love the quality and consistency of the drinks it serves.”
Following the successful launch at Snowhill, Lexington intends to introduce robotic barista technology to additional BT sites across the UK, supporting BT’s drive for innovation and enhanced employee experience.
VIDEO: Watch the robotic barista in action.
About Lexington Independents
Lexington Independents provides high-end catering and hospitality service solutions tailored to independent schools. Lexington Independents is dedicated to providing delicious, fresh, healthy and nutritious food using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Menus are carefully designed to meet both the nutritional and social needs and expectations of all stakeholders including bursars, headteachers, parents and pupils.
Lexington Independents operates as a specialist division of Lexington Catering. Both owned by Elior UK.
www.lexingtonindependents.co.uk
About Lexington Catering
Set up in 2002, Lexington is an award-winning business that works with organisations to support them in providing 5* food and service. The team is passionate about creating the best hospitality and guest experience for customers and clients.
In 2014 the team launched Lexington Reception Services (LRS), working closely alongside the catering business, to deliver a seamless integrated reception and hospitality service via reception services; call services; guest management and meetings and events. Then in 2019 Lexington Independent Schools was introduced, focusing on providing delicious, fresh, nutritious, food and excellent service to enhance the school community.
About Elior
Elior operates high profile catering contracts across the B&I, health & care home, defence, education, stadia and heritage sectors. It provides customers with a bespoke offer that focuses on great food, drink and customer service and couples it with the benefits that a large company brings. Elior UK is part of Elior Group which operates worldwide with annual revenues of €5.8billion.
For further information: http://www.elior.co.uk
About Elior Group
Founded in 1991, the Elior Group is a world leader in catering and multiservices, and a benchmark in the world of business, education, health, social and leisure. Enjoying robust positions in 9 countries, the Group achieved pro forma revenue of €5.8 billion in 2023. Its 133,000 employees feed 3.1 million people every day in 20,200 restaurants on three continents and provide services in 6 countries.
The Group is based on an economic model built around innovation and social responsibility. In 2004, the Elior Group signed up to the United Nations Global Compact, reaching advanced level in 2015.
For more information: www.eliorgroup.com