The mayor of Worcester has cut the ribbon on the city’s newest coffee shop - and even tried his hand at becoming a barista.
Starbucks has opened at Shrub Hill Retail Park, next to Subway in the unit vacated by Carphone Warehouse five years ago.
It was opened officially this morning (Friday, September 22) by mayor Louis Stephen, who also tried his hand at making a latte.
Performing the ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Starbucks staff, he said: “I’m delighted to be here opening this new Starbucks.
“It’s great for business and everybody should come along, linger and spend money.
“It’s great to see new job opportunities being created and I wish you all the best.”
While at the coffee shop, Cllr Stephen was shown how to make a latte by store manager Leah Jones - and earned the praise of shop staff after his second attempt.
Starbucks area manager Jordan Daniels said: “This is so exciting because we’re creating so many job opportunities and serving customers with hot, fresh coffee.
“We have great pastry items and a brand new autumnal range.
“This shop will become a place for people to work, to socialise or just to grab a coffee.”
The store becomes Worcester’s third Starbucks - the chain already has branches in The Cross and Cathedral Square.
A fourth Starbucks is rumoured to be on its way - with many residents believing controversial plans for a drive-thru coffee shop at the Elgar Retail Park in Blackpole to have been submitted by the American brand.
Neighbours protested against those plans last weekend amid concerns over noise, anti-social behaviour and the removal of trees from the retail park.
And independent coffee shop owners have spoken out against the opening of another chain coffee shop.
Francini Osorio, owner of Francini Cafe de Colombia in Angel Street, said: “I think it’s too much. In my business, we try to give people something that is more unique.
“Those kinds of brands, I have never found any interest in those brands, you get your coffee, and you walk out. There’s nothing for you to be there.”
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