From ancient castles to Victorian railway arches, these are the latest Starbucks stores to open across EMEA
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful space to enjoy some me time, catch-up with a loved one, or to simply grab a quick cup of great coffee, there’s a Starbucks store for you. And over the last sixth months, a host of new stores have opened across EMEA, from spots in historic landmarks to Starbucks first ever store openings in Bari, Italy and Reims, France. Ready for a new adventure in 2024, but need some inspiration? Here’s a list of some of the latest Starbucks locations to visit to add to your list!
Edinburgh, UK
Found on the city’s iconic Princes Street, this 8,000 sq ft store (the biggest to open in the UK in recent years) was designed as a homage to Edinburgh’s past and present. While a curved arch over the bar symbolizes the Edinburgh Vaults (the city’s historic underground chambers built in the 18th century), the first floor offers a jaw-dropping view of Edinburgh Castle. Opened in November, the store provided the perfect coffee pit-stop for Edinburgh’s Christmas market goers.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Opened in December, this is the second store to open in Prague castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year. Nestled in a courtyard in the castle grounds (which were built in the 9th century), the store was designed with a palette of refined, natural materials to complement its spectacular surroundings. It’s the perfect place for a break as you explore the castle, which at almost 750,000 sq ft was named the largest ancient castle in the world by the Guiness Book of Records.
Izmir Cesme, Turkey
Sitting in-between two popular holiday resorts since July, this Starbucks drive thru store is more than meets the eye. With its tropical design inspired by the Cesme Peninsula (the westernmost point in Turkey), look beyond its palm tree-lined drive thru and its home to a number of sustainable design features. While its electricity is powered via solar panels, the store collects rainwater to keep its landscaping green and lush.
Madrid, Spain
The idea for the third store along Madrid’s Gran Via – one of the city’s most important shopping destinations – was to imitate the ethos of a Spanish Plaza. Much like the Third Place, a plaza serves as a focal point of a city and provides a meeting space where discussions and ideas can flourish. Opened in November and home to lush botanical artwork and 3D green wall features, the store isn’t just a community hub – its refined design is a reminder of Starbucks sustainability goals.
Jeddah Park, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Located a short distance from luxurious shopping and entertainment center Jeddah Park, this store made history when it opened on 4 May. Not only was it Jeddah’s very first Starbucks Reserve store, but it became the 400th store to open in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. As well as offering a truly bespoke coffee craft experience for coffee lovers, the space boasts a striking geometric ceiling - part inspired by the Starbucks coffee bean selection process, and part by the abstract colours of the Starbucks Coffee Reserve cards.
Reims, France
Known for its prestigious champagne houses and historical significance for France’s monarchy, the city of Reims welcomed its first Starbucks store in September. Found on the iconic Place Drouet d’Erlon, the store channels the essence of Reims’ champagne industry in even the finest of its design details. Curved ceilings mimic cellar vaults, wood and textured accents channel rustic cellar details, and vibrant origin artwork symbolises the shared natural roots of both champagne and coffee.
Bari, Italy
Now to the Adriatic Coast, where in July the Italian province of Puglia opened its first Starbucks store in the picturesque port city of Bari. Like the architecture that lines the city’s shores, the store reflects the nautical heritage of Bari with a costal colour palette, a light sculpture above the bar, and marine-themed artwork.
DxBike, United Arab Emirates
For those who enjoy a spot of alfresco coffee with their cycling, the DxBike kiosk is right up your street. Located next to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City development and boasting views of the Dubai skyline, this external kiosk can be found in the fitness centre’s new cycling area, Dubai Pump Track. Whether you’re after an energy kick before taking on the 8.4 km bike track or a post-cycle indulgent treat, the DxBike Starbucks kiosk has got you covered.
London Bridge, UK
Opened in September, this Starbucks location is steeped in rich history (quite literally). Formerly a 150+ year old tearoom hidden behind a wall until its discovery in 2022, the store is part of London Bridge’s historic Victorian site, Findlater’s Corner. Once a safe meeting place during the emancipation of women in London, the space now offers an entire community of coffee enthusiasts in Old Southwark a space to meet. Designed by prolific mosaicist Jesse Rust in the 19th century, the store’s beautiful blue façade has been restored as a tribute to its former life.
Sintra, Portugal
Just a 45 minute train journey from Lisbon is Sintra, a fairytale-like UNESCO world heritage town nestled in the Sintra Mountains. A tourist hotspot due to its scenic castles, palaces and gardens, Starbucks opened a heritage store in the town in August. To compliment the building’s original architecture, the store’s design is light and subtle. Alcoves are softly illuminated, while coffee leaf art is engraved on timbre to match the store’s original beams.