Caffe Nero
National Survey Programme for Caffè Nero
In 2023, Method Building Consultancy was appointed by Nidus Riley, a London-based project management firm, to support a national property survey programme for the UK’s popular coffee chain, Caffè Nero.
The annual surveys that were undertaken by Caffé Nero had to pause during the pandemic. Once they resumed it soon became clear there were urgent matters that needed resolving in the sample of properties surveyed. This led to a wider investigation into the condition and safety of all branches, and Method BC surveyed 135 of their high street locations across the UK.
“It was decided to survey all properties as quickly as possible so that a clear picture could be generated across the whole property portfolio and the issues identified, addressed. We have worked with Nidus Riley in the past and they turned to us to assist them with the volume of properties that needed surveying in a short period of time.“
Ben Hunter, Director
With Nidus Riley acting as the contract prime, Method BC played a crucial role as subcontractors, undertaking detailed surveys in a variety of commercial property types, ranging from modern retail shells to centuries-old historic buildings.
A Complex and Varied Property Portfolio
The Caffè Nero estate presented a diverse portfolio of buildings. Some properties were located within contemporary shopping centres, which were straightforward in layout and condition, while others were in much older structures, particularly in heritage cities like York. These older buildings often featured multiple floors, basements, and architectural quirks that made each survey unique.
“We might have one survey in a brand-new retail unit and another, on the same day, in a 200-year-old building with hidden hatches and unexpected access routes.”
Matthew Handley, Graduate Building Surveyor
In one memorable case, access to the upper floors was only possible through a crawl space resembling a ‘cat flap’, adding a literal twist to the idea of hands-on surveying.
Live Surveys in Operational Cafés
One of the project’s notable challenges was the need to conduct surveys during trading hours. All Caffè Nero sites remained open to the public while inspections were carried out. This required a highly collaborative approach with on-site staff to ensure access to all necessary areas, such as basements, service risers, and less frequently used upper floors.
Despite the practicalities, store staff were consistently helpful, often stepping away from their duties to assist surveyors in navigating the properties safely and effectively. Their willingness to support the process ensured that inspections remained efficient and comprehensive.
Project Purpose and Client Proactivity
The survey programme was prompted by a potential health and safety concern involving a loose windowpane at one of the Caffè Nero branches. In response, the client proactively launched a national condition survey to assess and document any potential risks across their estate.
The focus was on compliance, general condition, and identifying any priority repairs. In many cases, sites were already earmarked for refurbishment, underscoring Caffè Nero’s proactive approach to estate management. The surveys provided valuable data to support these refurbishments and guide ongoing maintenance strategies.
Method’s Role and Reach
As subcontractors to Nidus Riley, Method BC deployed their small team of experienced surveyors to locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Handley alone visited sites as far north as Inverness and as far west as Bangor, covering a significant portion of the UK over the course of the programme.
“Some of the Glasgow stores stood out for their stunning neoclassical and gothic architecture. It’s amazing how often people never look above ground floor level and miss the detail.”
Perry Swinbank, Associate Director
Working to tight schedules and consistent reporting formats, Method BC ensured high-quality, detailed reports were delivered efficiently. These reports helped build a clearer picture of the condition of each site, aiding both short-term remediation and long-term planning.
“This required detailed planning to make sure that the travelling was efficient and time effective to enable us to meet the deadline, limited to surveying three properties each day to make sure that they were not rushed. The surveys spanned from Cardiff, Gloucester and Bristol to Aberdeen and Inverness and everywhere in between!”
“We also developed internal systems to create a timeline from inspection to the draft report being provided, amends being made and the final report being produced so the client understood at each point where we were with each survey we had done. This meant the client was reassured and informed at all times that the deadlines would be met.”
Alex Hunter, Operations Director
A Learning Experience in Client-Facing Work
The project also offered valuable client-facing experience to junior surveyors. In contrast to larger consultancies where surveyors may have limited client interaction, Method BC’s smaller team structure encouraged greater engagement with both the project managers at Nidus Riley and the Caffè Nero site staff. This approach fostered ownership and developed vital communication skills.
Reflecting on the project, Matthew Handley described it as ‘a good experience’—not just for the variety of properties, but for the opportunity to build strong professional relationships and deliver meaningful work.
Conclusion
The Caffè Nero national survey programme demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in delivering complex property projects across a diverse estate. With Nidus Riley managing the overall programme, and Method BC providing additional detailed surveying expertise, the project illustrates how collaboration, flexibility, and practical experience can come together to deliver results.
It also highlights the importance of a hands-on, client-focused approach, especially when working in occupied, high-footfall environments where access and sensitivity are key.
