A new, independent coffee shop is opening at Gloucester's The Forum in 2026.
Forum Coffee is an independent specialty coffee shop supplied by Gloucestershire coffee roastery, Ethical Addictions, which sources beans directly from farmers all over the world.
Providing an independent alternative to big high street names, the new coffee shop will be located within The Forum next to Kings Square, just a short walk from the main bus and train stations.
It will offer high-quality barista coffee and hot drinks, brunch and lunch, as well as baked goods and gelato sourced from independent local suppliers – available to eat and drink in, or take away.
The shop will also feature a dedicated 'roasters' corner' where customers can learn more about the roasting process, see beans up-close and meet members of the team for a 'more immersive coffee experience'.
Forum Coffee's 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.'
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, added: '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.'
While the opening date is not yet confirmed, Gloucester-based Cobus Spaces – which recently completed work on neighbouring Patch – is already working on the fit out, with the shop due to open in spring.
It is currently recruiting for a variety of roles including a general manager, head barista and kitchen leader.
