Starbucks among retailers setting up shop in Belfast’s Grand Central Station

The US coffee giant is the latest major brand to move it to the new £340m station which started its phased opening last month.

The new station which is set to become the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland will also feature retailers such as M&S, BrewDog and Pret a Manger.

Earlier this summer the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the new station would be home to Northern Ireland’s first BrewDog outlet.

In 2021 the Scottish brewing giant hinted it was eyeing up Belfast among around 40 new pub locations, with one large bar already in Dublin as well as dozens across the UK.

Food and beverage operators, SSP Group, have now confirmed that the new BrewDog outlet will be located in the new multi-million-pound station’s mezzanine level.

The operator has also confirmed that it operate an M&S Food outlet and two Starbucks stores at the location.

The coffee giant will open one store in the main concourse and one store post the rail barrier, near platform one, at the city terminus station.

Starbucks will be SSP’s largest franchise partner by the number of outlets when its two stores open at Belfast Grand Central Station, one in the concourse area and the other a kiosk on the rail platform.

The operator also confirmed that the M&S Food outlet will feature a brand new in-store bakery serving a selection of pastries, alongside a wide range of salads and locally sourced sandwiches from Newry-based supplier, Around Noon.

“These new outlets really put SSP on the map in Northern Ireland, showcasing the best that we offer alongside some of our biggest partners,” said Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK & Ireland.

“We’re looking forward to bringing our award-winning brands to the new Belfast Grand Central Station and being the best part of the journey for customers living in and visiting the city.”

Louise Doyle, Translink station manager at Grand Central Station said, “This impressive new integrated facility will offer an enhanced user experience for up to 20 million bus, coach and train users.

“But, beyond transportation, the station will also be a new destination in the heart of the city where people meet, so we are looking forward to working with SSP to deliver this attractive retail offering to create a unique blend of convenience and leisure all under one roof.”

Ryan Lemon, regional manager for Northern Ireland at M&S, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening a brand-new M&S Food shop at Belfast Grand Central Station, our 23rd store in Northern Ireland.

“Our convenient location and wide range of delicious food and drinks make us the perfect spot for commuters, whether grabbing a quick bite on the go, planning a train picnic or stopping by for a delicious ‘dinner for tonight’ meal, our new station store will be the perfect pitstop for passengers en route to their final destination.”