Starbucks could join Turtle Bay in historic Blackpool hotel

A new branch of coffee brand Starbucks could be coming to Blackpool town centre.

Proposals have emerged for an outlet to open on the ground floor of the Forshaw’s Hotel in Talbot Square.

Details of the scheme have been revealed in a planning application submitted to Blackpool Council for listed building consent for changes to the building including new signage.

A design statement says: “The proposal is to update the exterior facade of the building to bring the store into line with the latest Starbucks brand standards.”

Approval is required because the building, which formerly operated as The Clifton Hotel, dates back to between 1865 and 1874, is Grade II-listed and part of a conservation area.

The application is seeking approval for a fascia panel, an internally illuminated projecting sign to the east elevation, two internally illuminated individual letter signs to the north and north-east elevation and one internally illuminated circular sign to the north elevation.

Permission was granted earlier this year by the council for alterations at the hotel including the demolition of an internal wall and new internal walls to separate the spaces in part of the ground floor of building.

Starbucks would be the second well-known name to take space in the hotel in recent times, following the opening of the Turtle Bay restaurant in summer 2023 in space overlooking the Promenade.

The most recent Starbucks to launch in Blackpool opened at Bloomfield Central on Rigby Road in June of this year.

There's lots of ways you can support our work as The Blackpool Lead, from a one-off donation, to a monthly payment through to shopping for The Lead branded merchandise too. It all helps support our independent, in-depth, journalism.

Sign up to The Blackpool Lead for free for more of our news, features, recommendations and investigations.