Coffee Republic has signed a franchise deal that will see it launch in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The company has reached an agreement with CR Coffee Houses to develop its coffee and deli bar concept in the two countries.

The group said a first site was set to open in the Abbeycentre, Belfast, in the coming weeks.

Steven Bartlett, Coffee Republic’s chief executive, said: "Ireland is a crucial market for Coffee Republic and we look forward to introducing the brand in this dynamic economy."

The company has also signed a regional development franchise with East Coast Traders, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.