A NEW coffee shop with drive-thru has opened in Andover today (Friday), creating 27 new jobs.

Starbucks cut the ribbon on its Columbus Quarter outlet, on Walworth Business Park.

Customers were invited to visit the new store and sample drinks from Starbucks summer menu, with the first 100 customers receiving a free branded cup.

The store’s charity partner, Combat Stress, joined the opening event. Combat Stress has been supporting veterans with mental health issues for 100 years, and the new store will support the charity with ongoing fundraising events, and organising a monthly peer support group for veterans.

Rebecca Jubb-Billis, store manager, said: “I started my career with Starbucks as a barista, and I am so excited to open this new Starbucks drive-thru in Andover as store manager. The store team is looking forward to meeting new customers who live and work in the Andover area. We are proud to support Combat Stress and the important issue of veterans’ mental health, from raising money to hosting support sessions.”

The store offers comfortable seating and free wi-fi, along with a brand-new drive-thru.

Starbucks on Walworth Business Park will be open from 6am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 6.30am until 8pm on the weekends.