Fri 30th Jan 2015 - Starbucks opens 100th UK franchised store: Geronimo Inns add two sites Starbucks opens 100th UK franchised store: Starbucks has opened its 100th franchised store in the UK with a new store on the Mile End Road in East London. The company launched its franchise programme two years ago. The first franchised store, in Liphook, Hampshire, opened in February 2013 and Starbucks now partners with 14 franchised partners. The Mile End Road store will be operated by franchise partner Treats, and is Mile End’s first Starbucks. It will create up to 12 new jobs for the local area. Amin Merali, director of Treats said: “We’re proud to partner with Starbucks and already operate three Starbucks stores across London, with plans to open a further ten stores this year, creating more than 120 jobs. It’s exciting to open the 100th franchised store in Mile End and welcome in new employees from the surrounding area and new customers looking for a great cup of coffee.” Jane Coleman, Starbucks director of franchising, said: “Our pioneering franchise offer gives local companies throughout the UK the opportunity to bring their own expertise and experience to our business. It’s fantastic to reach this milestone of 100 franchised stores in the UK and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our franchise stores, helping us to reach those towns and locations we have not yet had the opportunity to serve.”   Geronimo Inns add two sites, launches new concept: The gastro-pub operator Geronimo Inns has added two new sites, The Fellow, in Kings Cross, North London, and the Owl & Pussycat, in Shoreditch, East London, to its estate, and launched a new concept at St Pancras. The Fellow and the Owl and Pussycat have been added to the portfolio after parent company Young & Co’s acquisition of the four-outlet London operator 580 late last year. Both pubs will be undergoing renovations and will re-open in March. Meanwhile, the Curious Pig, in St Pancras International Station, an extension of the station's Betjeman Arms pub, now gives customers, who include commuters and Eurostar travellers, the chance to take away a range of cask ales and other beers, fine wines and champagnes and a range of Geronimo food, including Scotch eggs, sausage polls and a variety of pies and mash. Geronimo is also refurbishing the Bull, the only pub in Westfield White City, which will and it will re-open in February. The new-look Bull will have an increased dining capacity downstairs and a new food and drinks menu, including an all-new cocktail list and an "extensive "selection of craft beer and bourbon. According to Geronimo, the pub's new style is "townhouse chic with a twist of the Hamptons." It caters for regulars and local residents as well as shoppers at Westfield. Ed Turner, managing director of Geronimo Inns, said: “I am delighted to announce all of the Geronimo launches where customers will be able to enjoy fine food, great ales and pub banter! The Curious Pig is a new venture for us and one that I am sure will delight the commuters of St Pancras station.” Geronimo Inns is also launching rugby World Cup year with an interactive competition inviting customers to send in photos of themselves enjoying a Six Nations game at one of its pubs via the social media platform Instagram.