The new Costa coffee shop has opened in Southwold.
Costa Coffee opens its controversial Southwold store
Kathryn Bradley
Thursday, February 21, 2013
9:23 AM
A national coffee chain has opened its controversial store in Southwold town centre.
Costa Coffee officially opened its High Street shop yesterday (Wednesday) but was open for several hours on Tuesday while staff completed last minute preparations and handed out free coffee vouchers around the town.
The town council and more than 600 people objected to the company’s plans to take over the former Fanny & Frank clothes shop amid concerns it could harm the town’s “unique character”.
But despite the opposition, its plans were given the go-ahead by Waveney District Council’s development control committee in August.
Store manager Glenn Crane, who previously managed the Costa Coffee outlet in Tesco, Beccles, said the shop had been busy since opening at 7am yesterday morning.
“We had workmen in at 7.10am wanting coffee,” he said. “We are surprised at how busy it has been.”
There was much speculation on social networking site Twitter in the build up to the low key opening with opinion split amongst social media users.
And Guy Mitchell, chairman of Southwold Chamber of Trade, urged people to keep supporting local independent businesses now that Costa Coffee had opened. He added: “With over 80pc of businesses being local independents, we’d encourage people to value the fact that Southwold offers something a little different.”
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16 comments
Load of fuss about nothing. If the residents don't like it all they have to do is not go in. Simples
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kevin bacon
Friday, February 22, 2013
Went in yesterday. Clean,warm,comfortable,nice coffee,charming staff.what's not to like
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bathgirl
Friday, February 22, 2013
Excellent news. Been waiting all winter. Now I can get a decent coffee at a price I can afford rather than another shop full of clothes, at prices I cannot!
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Mooncat
Friday, February 22, 2013
I read once that Southwold people didn`t want Costawotsit because they are `snobby`. Been to Southwold only the once for a three day break, no graffitti no litter no yobs.If this is being `snobby` then bring it on!
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John Bridge
Thursday, February 21, 2013
With the locals insisting they will boycott Costa, I'll certainly use it. At least I won't have to mix with a bunch of snobs!
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Citizen of EUSSR
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Father Brian, if that's the case they should fit in well with all the independents selling coffee in Southwold.
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Tea&Biscuits
Thursday, February 21, 2013
'Costa' sums it up - rubbish coffee at inflated prices.
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Father Brian
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Could have been worse, could have been Starbucks, with their sludge imported straight from the Mississippi delta!!
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Muggas Budal
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I still prefer Starbucks.
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Thoreauwasright
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I'm not really sure why the independents and council are concerned. Costa do not price cheaply or create a one-stop shop in the same way that supermarkets do, which is what puts others out of business. Their image is smart and suits the town architecture. If you feel threatened, stop moaning and become competitive - or perhaps you know your product is inferior?
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AE
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I think pound land should open a shop in Southwold. Oh dear I can hear the rustling already.
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bobby smith
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I suspect that many of those who complained would have been first in the queue, clutching their free coffee vouchers
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M
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Oh goody! Another poll.
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Thoreauwasright
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I am sure many people would support local businesses and cafes if they were actually open when they wanted to use them.
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mike smith
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I don't much care for coffee, but I'd be over the moon if Wetherspoons were to open up in Southwold and challenge the pub cartel which sells Adnams beer (and wine, food and soft drinks) at such grossly inflated prices.
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T Doff
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tesco, Costa, W.H.Smith, whatever next? Q.D? McDonalds? Soon be like any other boring high street.
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peter waller
Thursday, February 21, 2013