Starbucks is ready to open new cafe in Abingdon

Signs have now gone up above the door at the former M&Co clothes shop, and contractors have been fitting out the store inside.

The counter looks ready and tables and chairs have been set out.

A worker decorating the unit said: "We are nearly ready to hand over to Starbucks - they could be open very soon - it could be as early as this week."

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Starbucks' planning application to Vale of White Horse District Council for new signage emerged in September.

The chain is entering a very competitive market - Costa has a branch on the corner of Bury Street precinct and the market place.

Other coffee shops include R&R, Java, Missing Bean and Throwing Buns.

You can also get takeaway coffee in Parsons bakery, Greggs and Pablo Lounge in the precinct, although Pablo Lounge is also run as a bar and restaurant.

Costa has another branch close to Abingdon Bridge, while Coffee Aroma is situated in the High Street.

No one from Starbucks has yet revealed the opening date.

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One Abingdon Blog reader said earlier: "I guess the council will allow anyone to take on an empty property rather than leave it empty.

"Better watch the old Touchwood Sports site, there is room in there for another coffee shop as well. I tried to count up number of places in town where you can get coffee now but gave up as there were just so many.

"Problem used to be charity shops, now it’s coffee shops. No wonder people go out of town for their shopping."

Another wrote: "Quite like Starbucks coffee, generally far better than Costa.

"However, Missing Bean is way ahead of the competition when it comes to the quality of their coffee whilst not attracting a premium price."

Starbucks' branch in Cornmarket in Oxford closed during the pandemic but is now reopening.