Grind brings craft coffee to commuters with launch of first UK standalone travel café at Waterloo station

London-born cult coffee brand Grind has announced the launch of its latest café at one of the country’s busiest commuter hubs, with over 170,000 commuters passing through the station every day*. 

The café, located on the mezzanine level, opposite Platform 5 in Waterloo station, will officially open on 15th December 2025 and will be open every day from 7am - 10pm. Offering a welcome escape from the busy backdrop of Waterloo station, the venue can seat 35 people in a warm, modern café-bar setting. 

The new site, opened in partnership with One Retail, the retail specialist sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland, expands Grind’s footprint in travel retail beyond its partnerships with British Airways and Dubai International Airport, offering barista-quality coffee, cocktails, and food to millions of passengers on the move and passing through one of London’s biggest and busiest stations. To celebrate the opening and the arrival of the festive season, Grind will be offering £5 espresso martinis, their signature cocktail, throughout December.

This opening marks a major step in Grind’s expansion beyond its iconic East London roots and into the heart of the UK’s transport network. Renowned for its buzzing all-day cafés and restaurants serving sustainable craft coffee, fresh food, and expertly-crafted cocktails, Grind is now bringing its signature menu to travellers and commuters nationwide, from takeaway coffees to brunch favourites. 

David Abrahamovitch, CEO and Founder of Grind, says: “Bringing Grind to one of the UK’s busiest stations marks a major milestone for us—we can’t wait to bring our craft coffee to thousands of commuters at Waterloo. We’re offering travellers a completely new experience: a place where they can grab a great coffee on the go, sit down for brunch, or unwind with cocktails after a long day. It’s our first in a station, and we’re thrilled to make it happen with One Retail.” 

With 15 cafés, restaurants & cocktail bars, and coffee trucks already established across the UK, the new Waterloo venue signals the next stage in the brand’s mission to bring craft coffee to more people in more places.