IT has been full steam ahead for rumours that a Starbucks is set to open an outlet in Worcester.

Rumours have been stirring for a while that the chain coffee could be coming to the city centre soon despite its noticeable absence from the city.

Coffee addicts have been buzzing about rumours the Seattle-based chain coffeehouse could be opening up in the former House bar and restaurant unit.

The rumours proved hard to swallow though after an announcement from CrownGate's owner's The Crown Estate last week that the unit in Chapel Walk would become a restaurant.

Other sites people claimed could be getting an outlet are Cathedral Plaza, currently being redeveloped, and St Martin's Quarter.

But the company has poured cold water over any move to set up a coffeehouse in Worcester with a spokeswoman saying it had no immediate plans for a cafe.

Starbucks' absence from the city is all the more noticeable as the city centre boasts four Costa coffees as well as numerous independent coffee shops.

But people looking for a cup of their favourite blend from Starbucks are having to travel as far as Weavers Wharf Retail Park, Kidderminster, Hopwood Service Station in Redditch or on Ashchurch Road in Tewkesbury.

However, the spokeswoman did not completely rule out the idea of setting up a cafe in the city saying: "We are always looking at new opportunities."