Starbucks has opened its first express store outside North America after launching the format in Canary Wharf in London.
Featuring an open layout, the new store offers a walk-through experience and a streamlined menu served at speed via an early order point, allowing customers to order, pay and pick up even faster.
The menu focuses on high-quality brewed coffee, signature espresso beverages and a selection of popular food items including breakfast sandwiches, all displayed on digital menu boards that rotate throughout the day. For customers who choose to order ahead, mobile order and pay is also integrated.
Rhys Iley, vice-president operations, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “We recognise some of our customers, and especially busy commuters in Canary Wharf, are moving at pace and need fast, efficient and high quality service whatever the time of day. We’re excited to bring this unique store format to the UK, the first time for Starbucks outside of the US and Canada. This follows the digital innovations we have rolled out to improve convenience for customers. The new express format is the latest in our evolving store portfolio, which aims to meet the needs of our customers while keeping our baristas at the heart of the customer experience.”
At the same time, the company has announced it will trial a fully recyclable coffee cup in its UK shops, which could eventually divert huge numbers of cups away from landfill.
The cup, invented by entrepreneur and engineer Martin Myerscough, aims to reduce the environmental impact of the 2.5bn paper coffee cups used in the UK each year.
Earlier this year it emerged that only one in 400 were recycled and the rest sent to landfill or incineration.
