TAUNTON'S newest cafe opened its doors today and staff cannot believe how busy it has been.

Starbucks opened its doors at their new Hankridge Way store in the Deane Retail Park this morning (June 8) at 6.30am.

Store manager Hayley Brown said: "Seeing people in here is quite nice, it has been really nice being able to serve people but having a constant flow of customers has been good too.

Somerset County Gazette:

"I don't think anyone here expected it to be this busy, honestly it has been crazy, we clean a table then another customer is ready to sit in it. I didn't expect it to be so busy."

The store has a contemporary design, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy a handcrafted cup of coffee and relax with the comfortable seating and free wi-fi.

One happy customer, Tommy Conway took full advantage of the seating area.

He said: "I couldn't wait for it to open here, I only live five minutes away and I prefer Starbucks to Costa so I am happy with this new store."

Somerset County Gazette:

Customers can also order via the Starbucks UK App, available for iPhone and Android, to order ahead, skip the queue and collect to takeaway, and of course you can use the drive-through.

"Custom has been split probably 50/50 from the drive-through and in-store.

"People are definitely coming through the drive-through after a trip to the petrol station or Sainsbury's, but a lot of people have been making the trip here just for a coffee."

Brown added: "There has been a lot of good feedback so far. People have been coming in saying we've been waiting years for a Starbucks closer to me!"

The new store is located at Deane Retail Park, Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LR, and will be open from 6.30am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7:30am to 6:00pm Sunday.