Queues, giveaways and celebrities mark £300,000 Starbucks reopening at Blackburn service station

A major refurbishment draws crowds, entertainment and charity support as EG Group relaunches flagship Blackburn Starbucks site.

Crowds gathered on Haslingden Road as the EG Group Starbucks at the Beehive Service Station reopened following a £300,000 refurbishment, with celebrations building towards an 11am ribbon moment.

Customers queued outside ahead of the reopening, eager to be among the first through the doors after the weekend transformation. The first 100 visitors received goodie bags, while the very first customer won free coffee for a month. Throughout the day, discounts on handcrafted drinks helped maintain a steady flow of visitors into the newly updated store.

PHOTO: Stilt walkers helped to bring the party feel (c) Central Radio.

The relaunch took on a community feel, with entertainment and an outdoor broadcast from Central Radio helping to create a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Passers-by and families were drawn in by the activity, with demonstrations showing how Starbucks’ signature handcrafted drinks are made adding to the experience.

PHOTO: a countdown to 11am as the doors opened (c) Central Radio

Special guests also attended, including Tanisha Gorey, known for her role as Asha Alahan in Coronation Street, alongside Jessica "Jess" White who was an Islander on Season 11 of Love Island. Their presence, along with local social media personalities, added to the sense of occasion and helped draw further attention to the reopening.

Community engagement formed a key part of the day. Representatives from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity, ELHT&Me were on site to raise awareness of their work and upcoming fundraising initiatives. Central Radio spoke to Sharon Davies from the charity, highlighting the importance of local support and the role businesses can play in backing vital healthcare services. She also told us about a forthcoming Charity football tourniment called Goals for Good, taking place on Saturday, May 23, at Great Harwood Rovers Football Club.

Inside the store, customers were introduced to the refreshed layout and upgraded facilities, designed to improve both customer experience and service efficiency. The refurbishment reflects continued investment by EG Group into its roadside retail portfolio, with a focus on modern, welcoming environments.

Central Radio also spoke with area managers Jenny and Jen, who described the reopening as a proud moment for the team. They praised the company’s commitment to staff and customers alike, emphasising the positive working culture within the business.

The Blackburn reopening marks another step in EG Group’s wider programme of investment across the UK, bringing enhanced facilities and community-focused events to key locations.