Ipswich’s first drive-through Starbucks has opened with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony by mayor Roger Fern.

Ipswich Star: Opening of a new drive through Starbucks on West End Road in Ipswich Andrea Davey, who was the first customer through the drive through is served by Chelsey Killington Picture by Ashley PickeringOpening of a new drive through Starbucks on West End Road in Ipswich Andrea Davey, who was the first customer through the drive through is served by Chelsey Killington Picture by Ashley Pickering

The new store in West End Road is the company’s first drive-through franchisee store in Suffolk, and has created 15 jobs.

Roger Fern opened the store, before staff hosted coffee tasting and product sampling for the first customers.

Vishal Mohanan, business manager of franchisee K Beverage Ltd said, “We are thrilled to be opening the first drive through Starbucks in the Suffolk area – with a team full of knowledgeable baristas.

“The new store is a perfect spot for customers to enjoy their favourite drink in a comfortable environment, whether it’s to rest tired feet during shopping, to quickly drive through to pick up a coffee or to work in a quiet corner.

“We look forward to becoming a part of this close community and getting to know our local customers.”

The store joins existing Starbucks franchisees in the Cardinal Park Cineworld and in Tavern Street.

It has taken the company more than a year of planning to get the new store opened – and many customers turned up to sample what it has to offer.