Starbucks has recently opened a new store on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, enhancing the city’s coffee scene with an unmatched view of Edinburgh Castle. This opening is one of the most significant in the UK for Starbucks in recent years.
Spanning 8,000 square feet and across two floors, the store is located on a busy shopping and tourist route. Its main seating area on the first floor provides a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens, blending the Starbucks experience with a unique scenic element.
The store occupies a historic 18th-century listed building that previously housed an HSBC Bank and has been vacant since 2021. Starbucks’ redesign and refurbishment have rejuvenated the building, celebrating the architectural heritage of Edinburgh while introducing modern elements.
Alex Rayner, Vice President and General Manager at Starbucks UK, shares his excitement about the new store: “We are thrilled to welcome the local community and those visiting Edinburgh to our new Princes Street store. This is one of our most significant openings in recent years, and the design focuses on showcasing the iconic local landscape. It’s an exciting way to mark the end of our 25th anniversary celebrations in the UK. The store concept is a tribute to Edinburgh, striking a perfect balance between old and new. The curved arch feature over the bar is inspired by the Edinburgh Vaults, and the main highlight is the spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle.”
Located at 118 Princes Street, this new Starbucks store replaces the previous outlet at 120 Princes Street. All employees from the former store have been transferred to the new location, and an additional 10 jobs have been created in the area.
To mark the opening, Starbucks is giving away Colour-Changing Reusable Hot Cups from the 2023 Holiday merchandise collection to the first customers. The store will also feature festive decorations throughout the holiday season, creating a unique Starbucks winter wonderland.
The Edinburgh store exemplifies Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability, earning the Greener Store certification. It meets 25 standards across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste diversion. Starbucks’ focus on minimizing environmental impact includes a 25p discount for customers using reusable cups.
This store is part of Starbucks’ broader expansion strategy in the UK, focusing on key city locations and innovative store formats. These initiatives are part of Starbucks’ 25-year history of growth and adaptation to evolving customer preferences.
Starbucks continues its commitment to ethical coffee sourcing through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, in partnership with Conservation International. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of ordering via the Starbucks® UK App or delivery services like Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
