Ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer, Starbucks UK is investing £8m to renovate its stores within the capital.

The international coffee chain is redesigning a selection of London stores within just a few months, including six more high-profile renovations and 70 refurbishments. The company has said it will offer customers a store more unique to each individual neighbourhood.

Thom Breslin, director of Design Starbucks UK and Ireland, said: “More and more customers are looking for added value – and a great cup of coffee, delivered with a smile and enjoyed in a welcoming environment that embraces its local surroundings, offers just that.”

The Vigo Street outlet, close to Savile Row, has been selected to undergo a high-profile redesign, including the restoration of a hand-carved mahogany and mother-of-pearl ceiling, originating from a Damascus coffee house or bath house from around 1903. Other features include a new soft-seating area, a large community table and a fish tank-style food case.

In addition, Starbucks’ Brushfield Street store near Spitalfields will extend from two to three floors within its Georgian-listed building location. Its ground floor will become the serving area, while its first floor will include community tables suited for groups and laptop users, and the second floor will be designed for business customers and smaller groups intending to stay longer.  

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