Pubs in Wandsworth are all set for a high street battle with their local coffee shops as baristas get ready to serve booze to thirsty customers.

Costa Coffee in Old York Road claims to be the first high street coffee shop to sell alcohol in the UK.

The trend-setting coffee shop will be selling a range of wines, beers and other alcoholic delights to complement its food and drink range in the evenings.

Bar managers have so far remained silent about this new kid muscling in on their territory but off the record one or two are already grumbling about the extra competition.

But Jason Cotta, managing director of Costa Coffee UK and Ireland, said: “This is an exciting time for Costa Coffee. As core coffee options become well established favourites, we believe coffee lovers are ready for the next generation of beverages.”

Costa in Wandsworth will be selling pinot grigio wine at the price of £4.95 for a medium glass or wine or £18.95 for a bottle.

The coffee shop will also be selling Hoxton cider at the price of £4.50, along with other alcoholic drinks.

To cash in on it new range of beverages the shop will be staying open later and extending its hours from 4pm until 9pm Monday to Saturday and until 7pm on Sundays.

Mr Cotta added: “Alongside our Mocha Italia espresso-based drinks, we are proud to launch new beans, brews and coffee experiences to our customers. The trial of the new store in Wandsworth affirms our commitment to making coffee interesting, exciting and accessible to all.”

Deb Caldow, head of proposition development at Costa Coffee, added the company is thrilled to announce the launch of the new trial store and exclusive range of coffees.

Deb added: “As the UK’s favourite coffee shop, we want to inspire the nation to try something different and hope the new range will encourage them to do so.

“Our Wandsworth store will serve high-quality coffee, handcrafted with care and passion by our baristas, in a stylish new environment.”

Speaking on behalf of Wetherspoons, Eddie Gershon said: “We wouldn’t fear coffee shops getting in on the alcohol action, ultimately it’s up to them.

“If they’ve applied for and been granted a licence that's fine – then people will have to make their own minds up.

“It’s fair enough really, we sell some great coffee.”