New Starbucks store offers Edinburgh customers a brew with a view

Today, Starbucks is opening a new store on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street, offering customers the unparalleled Starbucks experience alongside incredible views of Edinburgh Castle opposite.

Measuring in at 8000sqft, the new Starbucks location is the biggest store Starbucks has opened in the UK in recent years, spread across two floors to accommodate the busy shopping and tourist route. The first floor, where the main seating area will be, offers spectacular views of the Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street gardens.

The 18th century listed building used to be home to an HSBC Bank and had been vacant since 2021. The redesign and refurbishment carried out by Starbucks not only breathes new life into the building but also pays homage to the rich history and characteristic architecture of Scotland’s capital.

Alex Rayner, vice president and general manager at Starbucks UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the local community and those visiting Edinburgh to our new Princes Street store. One of our largest openings in recent years, the design is all centred around highlighting the iconic local landscape, it’s an exciting way to close off the celebrations of our 25th anniversary in the UK.

“The store’s concept is a homage to Edinburgh – a perfect blend between old and new. The curved arch feature over the bar symbolizes the Edinburgh Vaults, but the main statement is undoubtedly the spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle.”

The new store on 118 Princes Street represents an enhancement of the former Starbucks outlet at 120 Princes Street, which closed last month in anticipation of this relocation. All partners (employees) have been transferred from the previous store, and 10 new jobs have been created in the local area.

To celebrate the opening, the store will be giving away the Colour-Changing Reusable Hot Cup from our 2023 Holiday merchandise collection to the first few lucky customers. Customers will step into a Starbucks winter wonderland, as the store will be adorned with festive decorations throughout the Holiday season.

Repurposed from a vacant unit, the Edinburgh store is certified as a Greener Store, meeting 25 required standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion.

This brings the environmental impact of running the store as low as possible, as part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to sustainability and becoming resource positive. This also includes offering a 25p discount to all customers who bring a reusable cup when purchasing a drink. 

This latest store opening is another step in Starbucks ambitious plans for growth in the UK, with many more stores planned to bring the iconic Starbucks Experience to more communities across the UK, particularly in key city and drive thru locations and with a focus on innovative store formats such as smaller, digitally forward stores.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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