FESTIVAL Place has confirmed that there is still no update on the opening of Black Sheep Coffee, despite stating it would open its doors in 2024.

The coffeehouse chain was expected to open in the Basingstoke shopping centre after signing a 15-year lease for a unit previously occupied by Cafe Nero in April 2023.

However, more than a year after the chain's expected opening in September 2023, there is no update as to whether Black Sheep Coffee is still planning to open in the town.

READ MORE: Festival Place promises 'exciting' future as more than 30 shops remain empty

Black Sheep Coffee's websiteBlack Sheep Coffee's website (Image: Black Sheep Coffee)

The chain, which has branches across the country including shops in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and Reading, was started in 2013.

The coffee company focuses on serving fairtrade coffee beans with a high amount of caffeine, in addition to flavoured teas, matcha, chai, and smoothies.

Black Sheep Coffee also offers a range of food options including smoothie bowls, Belgian waffles, cakes and more.

A spokesperson for the company previously told the Gazette that the opening of the branch was delayed until the beginning of 2024, but, more than nine months later, there is still no sign of the store's opening.

The Basingstoke branch is not listed on the company's locations website, which helps customers find their nearest store, and remains absent from Black Sheep's list of coffee stores 'coming soon'.

The spokesperson said that the list of locations is updated 'all the time based on progress with new sites and how ready the stores are'.

A spokesperson for Festival Place confirmed that there is no update on the future of the store.

Black Sheep Coffee has been contacted for further information.