Coffee Republic has partnered with the McLeish Brothers to open 25 New York deli-style stores across Scotland.

The independent coffee and deli bar operator will rollout the new sites over the next two years, starting in Edinburgh, followed by Glasgow and Dundee.

Chief executive Steven Bartlett said: ‘We have been impressed by the enthusiasm and drive demonstrated by the McLeish Brothers and are very excited to be working with them in furthering the their company’s expansion in Scotland, and subsequently England.”

Managing director Stanley Morrice of McLeish Brothers added: “The response to our concept from the public has been well beyond our expectations and we are pleased to be joining forces with Coffee Republic to realise our ambitious plans.”

In addition, the largest UK Coffee Republic franchised, stand-alone store will be opened in Silverburn shopping centre, Glasgow, by Christmas this year, with a further five franchised stores being planned for Scotland before the end of the financial year.