SSP, Starbucks and Heathrow have opened the UK’s busiest Starbucks store in Terminal 5. The new location has 50 seats and nine coffee machines, capable of serving hundreds of passengers every hour as they arrive at their gates.
The cafe located in the departure area of Terminal 5 airport was officially opened just in time for the summer travel peak. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by SSP Group CEO Patrick Coveney, UK & Ireland CEO Kari Daniels, Starbucks EMEA Director Duncan Moir and Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown. The store is designed with two separate counters to efficiently serve busy travelers, regardless of whether they order at the cash register or in advance on their phones.
“This new store in Terminal 5 is our flagship Starbucks in the country’s flagship airport,” said Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland. “We know how important it is that our customers are served promptly – especially when they have a flight. The customer journey and efficiency are at the core of our operations, and we have ensured that the design of this new store enables fast and easy service for passengers. We have also ensured that the store is future-proof, so that it can manage the growing number of customers in the future.”
Duncan Moir, Head of Starbucks EMEA, said: “We are delighted to welcome passengers and staff to our new store at Heathrow. The UK remains a key market for Starbucks and this opening is another important step in our growth and investment plans in partnership with our long-standing licensees , including SSP, we’re focused on meeting our customers where they are, bringing the iconic Starbucks Experience to more people across the UK, whether that’s in the heart of local communities or providing an essential rest stop on the go.”
This store opening builds on the 17-year partnership between SSP and Starbucks. The first joint store opened at Heathrow in 2012, and SSP now has four stores in different terminals. This new store in Terminal 5 highlights their shared commitment to meeting customers where they are, with innovative designs and formats. Heathrow expects to break more records this summer, with an estimated 30 million passengers passing through its terminals. This forecast follows a record 81.5 million passengers in the 12 months to May.
Inspired by the natural landscapes of coffee growing regions, the new store is designed to offer an immersive experience centered around a centrally located bar. The layered, curved roof mimics the mountainous terrain of the coffee premises and is accentuated by the natural color scheme. Clear walkways guide passengers through the store efficiently, regardless of whether they order their take away coffee or enjoy their coffee in the store.
Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown said: “Heathrow is proud to open Terminal 5’s newest Starbucks location, designed with passengers in mind. Working with SSP and Starbucks, we’ve created an innovative dining experience to suit every passenger’s journey through the airport. Because this summer With a record 30 million passengers traveling through Heathrow, this latest launch demonstrates the success of our retail strategy and Heathrow’s commitment to making every journey better.
In the spirit of summer, travelers are welcome to enjoy Starbucks’ summer menu, now available at Starbucks stores across the country. This menu includes new offerings such as Iced White Mocha with Strawberry Cream Cold Foam, Iced Caramel Latte Crème Brulée with Cream Cold Foam, Pink Coconut Starbucks Refresha® Drink with Matcha Cream Cold Foam, Cold Brew with Cookies and Cream Cold Foam and Iced White Chocolate Pistachio Pistachio Oat Shake Espresso. Starbucks® UK is proud to offer a wide range of dairy products at no extra cost.
