STARBUCKS has returned to Winchester after a year's absence.

The coffee chain had been in The Pentice on the High Street until last summer.

Today a new Starbucks store has opened creating 12 jobs in the former Jigsaw store on the corner of Market Lane.

The inside of Starbucks on Winchester High Street, opened June 9 2021

The inside of Starbucks on Winchester High Street, opened June 9 2021

Part of a regional co-operative family which already runs a retail store in the city, the store will be operated by Starbucks® licensee, Cobra Coffee.

The new store team will be celebrating the opening by giving away complimentary reusable cups to 50 customers every day for the first week.

Mark Tomlinson, store manager, who recently moved to the area after previously looking after a Cobra Coffee store in Southampton, said: "We have got a great team on board and all of us are looking forward to safely welcoming new faces from the local community over the next few weeks.

"Our Grade II listed building has a great atmosphere, which has been reflected in the store's design, complete with a cosy lounge and an indoor arched area.

"We are still looking for a few more members of the team so would welcome anyone interested to come and say hello."

The store will be open for indoor dining and takeaways and will be closely following the latest guidance from both the government and health authorities to keep everyone safe.

A delivery service with Uber Eats will be set up later this month.

The new store is located on the corner of the High Street and Market Lane at 2 Old Market House and open from 7am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am until 5pm on Sundays.

It is understood that the Old Market House' buildings were designed by William Coles, a city engineer in 1857. Previously known as the Old Green Market which housed sellers of flowers and poultry, much of the original character of the building has been maintained and restored.