Starbucks has announced the opening date for its newest drive-thru on the outskirts of Darlington. 

The coffee chain is set to welcome new customers to its A66 venue - at the former Akbar Dynasty and Tulip site near Sadberge - on July 19. 

From iced white mochas with strawberry cream cold foam to classics such as a cappuccino or hot chocolate, coffee lovers will be able to enjoy the chain’s signature offerings alongside its new summer menu. 

They include the iced caramel latte with crème brulée cream cold foam, pink coconut Starbucks Refresha® drink with matcha cream cold foam, and cold brew with cookies and cream. 

The store - which is open from 6am until 9pm everyday - has a contemporary design and has been decked out with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. 

Just last week, Starbucks logos and branding were spotted on the new venue, which operated as Tulip Indian Restaurant until its closure last year. 

Before Tulip’s opening in June 2022, it was previously known as Akbar Dynasty, which had its license revoked in April 2021 due to employing illegal workers. 

The new Starbucks will be operated by 23.5 Degrees - the firm’s first UK franchised business partner - and has created 17 jobs. 

This marks another step in the chain’s ambitious plans for growth across the UK, and follows the openings of several other Starbucks across the region. 

It recently opened a new venue at Darlington’s Faverdale development on June 20, as well as another site in Preston Farm, Stockton, back in April.  

Just last month, the brand announced plans to build yet another drive-thru venue at Teesside Industrial Estate, in Thornaby, with construction works already underway. 

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 4 months for just £4, or get 40% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

Gemma Barret, new store opening manager at 23.5 Degrees, said: “We are excited to open our new store and look forward to welcoming the local community. To celebrate, we will offer reusable cups to the first 100 customers on opening day.

“We will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with our charity partner, Dogs Trust Sadberge, who provide essential support in the rehoming of dogs within the Teesside area. 

“The Starbucks Sadberge team looks forward to contributing to their mission through fundraising activities and volunteering directly at the centre.”