Inside Starbucks' state of the art new store – where coffee arrives faster but you don't get your name on the cup

STEVE MYALL
20 JUL 2016
Mirror UK
The new Starbucks format makes lots of promises over speed of service but customers might be disappointed to learn the ritual of having your name written on your cup will end
A new Starbucks shop has launched in the UK – the first of it’s kind in Europe – where coffee arrives twice as fast but you don’t get your name on your cup.
The Express store has no seating and only serves 85 per cent of the normal menu so customers get their caffeine fix super quick.
You order at a counter – like before- but this time the drink selection is entered on a touch screen rather than scrawled on a paper cup.
The order is the whizzed through digitally to a barista operating one of three coffee machines – more than in a usual store – who makes your drink.
The concept, imported from America, includes new decor featuring wood and marble.
In the Express Store, customers will only have their name on the cup when they order through mobile order and pay.
StarbucksInside Starbucks new concept storeThe new store has digital menus
It is a move bound to upset traditionalists who like the ritual of someone using a black marker to write customers’ names on the distinctive white and green cups.
The new store, in London’s Canary Wharf, also has integrated Mobile Order & Pay technology, also allowing customer to order their drink before even entering the store so it is ready and waiting to collect from the bar point.
The streamlined menu focuses on coffee and a selection of popular food items including breakfast sandwiches, all displayed on digital menu boards which rotate throughout the day.
The London launch follows the express format store openings in New York, Toronto and Chicago.
Rhys ‎Iley, vice president of 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 U.S. 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.”
The store will be open seven days a week: Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Saturday: 8.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and Sunday 8.00 am – 7.30pm