Glasgow locals fear 'little coffee shops will suffer' as Starbucks tease new opening

A new Starbucks is set to open in Glasgow's southside which has raised concerns for the future of smaller independent coffee shops.

We previously reported how the global franchise lodged a planning application with the council, requesting permission for "illuminated signage" at 120 Grange Road in Battlefield. According to planning papers, the Starbucks would be situated close to the M&S Food and across the road from the Battlefield Rest restaurant.

Now, temporary signage has been added to the unit, which reads: "We can't wait to meet you!".

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However, local residents fear for the "lovely little coffee shops" already in the area, and the impact a Starbucks could potentially have for those businesses.

One said: "We need to support all the lovely little coffee shops in the area not this tax company." Another disgruntled local added: "Run 'em out. There's zero need for a chain coffee shop when there's already so many local ones. Please don't be a basic b***h and frequent Starbucks."

Meanwhile, a third said: "We have a number of local independent coffee shops who I fear will suffer from their arrival."

Consent has previously been granted for an "extension of opening hours" at the cafe, with the council allowing the American coffee chain opening hours of 7am-10pm every day. A building warrant for a "shop fit out" at the site was also granted last year to "form a new coffee shop".

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