Stubbington is reunited with its 'hub' after Costa Coffee reopens after refurbishment

Coffee lovers were reunited with their favourite baristas at a grand reopening after Costa Coffee in Stubbington underwent a complete transformation and was closed for nine days.

They were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Fareham, Councillor Pamela Bryant and Councillor Lousie Clubley, the managing director of the franchise, Antony Tagliamonti, the chief operating officer, Kris Dungey, as well as Cuppy the Costa mascot.

The Mayor officially cut the ribbon and declared the store open.

Antony said: ‘I’m excited to see what the customers think of it, because that’s what we do it for.

‘Hopefully we’ll get even bigger, we’ve got some big plans.

‘Stubbington has always been a really good store for us. I think everyone is excited with the new design. The team has got a really good relationship with the customers, that’s what sets our stores apart. They are what drive the community.’

The refurbishment was part of the cafe’s ‘store of the future’ design campaign, which has seen all its stores have a facelift over the last few years.

Store manager, Sally Hawkins said: ‘I’m really excited to be opening, we have got a really good team. It’s the hub of the community, everyone’s here. I’m so proud of the staff for working so hard today.’

Long-serving customer, Iris Frampton, has been drinking her coffee at the store every day since it opened and was at the grand reopening.

She said: ‘I’ve been here since day one and I’m in here every day of the week.

‘I’ve never found anywhere like it. The amount of friends I’ve made since coming in here is unbelievable.

‘It’s a great honour to be here.’

The store is a franchise store and is owned by Scoffs Group, which is the largest franchise of the coffee shop.

It opened its first franchise store in 2012 and now owns 91 stores across the country.