This branch of Starbucks is a very nice branch, it has become the newest addition to my list of…read moreplaces that deserve four stars mainly due to the the level of the service and the quality of the finished beverage.
This is quite a large Starbucks store, the only store mainly serving Blackburn, around a mile and half from the city centre, it is located in a small BP Garage complex complex, where there is also a Spar and a Greggs Bakers, it does have its only limited parking here as well as some from the rest of the Beehive Business Park, which is good.
The store is a 24 hour store, it is quite good that it is open 24 hours a day and does also have a drive-thru.
I also like the fact that this store is really big, it just adds a nice feel to this store, albeit due to the size the space around the till would be much better to be extended to make it less cramped.
The service in all did seem quite friendly, a member of staff offered to bring my drinks to my table despite it being one of the furthest tables from the counter, it was quite nice with views out of a window and a Christmas tree, cleverly decorated with Starbucks coffee, cards and trditional decorations.
The barista also approved me eating my gluten free blueberry muffin in store, which I had bought from elsewhere, Muffin Break while in Blackburn.
For my drink, I ordered a Grande Gingerbread Latte, this came to £4 which is more than the normal selling price in other stores of £3.55 by £0.45, mainly down to it being a franchise store owned by Eurogarages however I was happier to pay this compared to my local franchise run Starbucks store by EuroGarages in Rochdale, which charges considerably more and often £0.50 more than a price of a drink for a lowered quality.
My drink in general was quite nice, the cream was made very well to complement my drink, which was made really well.
My friend's also enjoyed their tea, albeit one complained it was too cold, mainly down to the other person putting too much milk in, Starbucks still kindly offered to replace it as well, which was good!
Overall, this is a really nice branch of Starbucks, despite flaws such as the parking situation, not being able to order in advance and the slightly higher price, this is a really nice Starbucks store and it does set the tone, not just for franchise stores but for Starbucks stores in all too and has done enough to earn four stars.
UPDATE: Due to a very bad experience at a recent visit, where I had issues with service and one barista in particular I feel the need to downgrade this branch to a generous three stars. I ordered a Burnt Caramel Latte Iced, and the barista seemed to be very unfriendly and he made my drink wrong, only to send it back and have the same issue. Eventually, another member of staff who seemed friendly, got up and made it herself and the drink was then up to the required standard, to how it should have been originally. With my drink costing over £4, I expect it to be served quickly and in a polite manner with the drink being good quality, and it shouldn't take 3 different drinks and 2 baristas to get that.
