A pioneering artificial intelligence-powered coffee shop with drive-through facilities is preparing to open in Didcot, with building work progressing at a local shopping centre.

The upmarket specialty coffee brand Bocca Felice will launch a fully automated drive-through coffee service at Hadden Hill Retail Park.

The premises now display signage and have taken shape at the site, complete with a drive-through lane and external seating zones.

Hadden Hill Retail Park was purchased by Martin’s Properties in 2020 and currently accommodates three businesses: Halfords, Pets and Home, and B&M Retail.

This custom-built drive-through site marks the first British outlet for Bocca Felice Limited, which has signed a lengthy lease contract for the premises.

The coffee company has ambitious growth plans, targeting the opening of 100 artificial intelligence-operated outlets over the coming two years.

Sodaclick created the concept, utilizing conversational AI technology to deliver a tailored experience during the ordering process.

Brook Stotesbury, holding the position of head of commercial asset management and investment at Martin’s Properties, expressed enthusiasm about bringing this novel concept to Hadden Hill, describing it as a UK first. The investment will create an attractive new amenity for local residents while boosting footfall and increasing the amount of time shoppers spend at the retail centre, which will benefit existing occupiers. Construction is expected to finish to transform this vision into reality.

Positioned next to the Tesco Superstore in Didcot, the company has confirmed it intends to begin trading in spring.