Latest news with #BlankStreet
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Byres Road cafe owners fear soul of street lost to coffee chains
It comes as the Blank Street Coffee chain opened up on the popular shopping street – despite planning permission being refused. Blank Street joins the likes of Pret-A-Manger, Black Sheep Coffee and Starbucks, which are all sandwiched between small businesses. The four big corporate chains are located in the most accessible part of Byres Road – closest to Hillhead Subway station. READ MORE: Glasgow Film Theatre board members resign after Israeli boycott decision At newly established Level 11 Coffee Hub and Café Swiss, which has been open for nearly a decade, senior staff are worried. Yasmin, the Café Swiss manager, was taken aback by the sight of coffee chain cups on Byres Road. 'I'm quite surprised how many people I've seen with it,' Yasmin said. She spoke of the team's relationships with regular customers and added: 'I think that's actually what's kept us going for so long. 'You're never going to get that kind of connection with someone in a big chain.' Meanwhile, Café Swiss barista Noah shared that during a break he had counted 23 chain labelled cups outside in a 10-minute period. Yousef, the co-owner of Level 11, went on: 'I am part of that community that actually go and support small businesses. 'We get a lot of our customers that come here just for that reason. 'The first time, we show them who we are and what we offer, and the effort we put into our product. 'I know my support and another person's support, is actually going to support the business.' Yousef expressed concern over how some chains have removed the social element of a coffee shop, introducing screens to take orders rather than members of staff. 'They've got the screens, there's basically no socialising,' he said. 'The best part of being here is socialising.'
The National
09-05-2025
- Business
- The National
US chain opens new Scottish venue despite planning rejection
Blank Street Coffee opened its second Glasgow premises, on the corner of Byres Road and Ruthven Street in the city's west end, earlier this week, despite council planners turning down an application last month. Enforcement officers at Glasgow City Council are aware of the situation and the company could be forced to close the coffee shop if found to be open without the required approval. But a spokesperson for the chain said it is currently operating 'under the previous tenant's use' — which differs from the use requested in its recent planning application. READ MORE: All jobs lost and students in limbo after Scottish arts college collapses suddenly The unit was previously home to a Greggs store and Blank Street has kept its grey exterior, rather than the green it had proposed to the council. It is possible the venue could serve customers under the existing class 1A use, which can allow the sale of cold food. The application rejected last month was to change the Byres Road premises to class 3 use, which is for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises. That use would be needed to sell hot food. In a statement, the company said: 'As with all its stores, Blank Street has planning and necessary permissions for the intended use of the Byres Road store in Glasgow. 'Blank Street is rightfully operating under the previous tenant's use, and we look forward to welcoming customers in the coming weeks and months.' The venue appears to be selling drinks, such as coffee and matcha, as well as pastries and cookies. Customers have been queuing out the door to try it. Applicants have a three-month period in which to appeal against a decision to refuse permission. An appeal would go before councillors on the city's planning review committee for consideration. It is unlikely any enforcement action would be taken until an appeal is rejected or the three months have passed, it is understood. READ MORE: Campervan bays at Scottish beauty spot 'to be binned after it's used as toilet' Planners refused the application as they said a change to class 3 use would 'result in 44.4% of the units within the street block in non-class 1A' use, which would 'erode the retail character' of the area to 'the detriment of its vitality and viability'. Officials also said the firm had not demonstrated the property had been 'appropriately marketed' for class 1A use for a minimum of 12 months, and that the marketing had been 'unsuccessful'. They believed extract vents below neighbouring flats would 'adversely affect the wellbeing and amenity of the residents' on the upper floors of the tenements. The rejection letter added the proposal failed to 'provide an active frontage to Ruthven Street'. A proposal to install an illuminated sign was also rejected. Blank Street Coffee opened its first Glasgow venue on Gordon Street in the city centre last month.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zara McDermott shows off her incredible figure in white cropped top and denim mini skirt after ex Sam Thompson revealed he is dating again following split
looked stylish as she took to Instagram on Thursday with a snap of her latest spring outfit for a day out in the capital. The former Love Islander, 28, showcased her incredible physique in a white cropped T-shirt and mini denim skirt. Flashing her toned abs and putting on a very leggy display in the tiny garment, the star accessorised the look with leather brown boots and a brown belt and bag. Carrying a Blank Street matcha in one hand, Zara pouted as she captioned the snaps: 'nothing beats a sunny day in London :)'. The snaps come just hours after Sam revealed he has been on his first date since his shock split from Zara in December. The Made In Chelsea star, 32, and the TV presenter split after five years of dating, with Zara quickly moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. And on the latest episode of his podcast with best pal Pete Wicks, Staying Relevant, Sam announced he was 'ready to get out there' again and had even gone on a date with a 'beautiful' mystery woman. Hinting towards his heartbreak over Zara, he said he'd gone through a 'pretty tough time', but that he was finally 'comfortable in my own skin again'. He told Pete: 'I feel like I'm ready to get out there. I feel like I'm at a stage now where I feel confident enough that I can start approaching females. 'I feel good, things are really really nice at the moment. And I feel like I'm happy. There's no more brave faces', causing Pete to proudly declare: 'Sam's ready to date!' Sam then detailed his first dating experience since his split, admitting he'd been so nervous that Pete had had to send him a list of advice. He explained: 'I went on a date recently. And I was so nervous that I messaged Pete. It was the sweetest thing ever, Pete basically sent me a list of what I had to do.' He went on: 'This is my first date that I've had since I've been single. I'm on my way to the date right, I've called Pete and I'm nervous and he's then messaged me afterwards going, "Don't overthink it mate just enjoy it. Just have a good time".' 'I went, "Thanks mate, do I wait for her inside or is that overthinking it?" and he went "Yep that's overthinking it exactly. Go inside, get yourself a drink and chill. Staying outside like a weirdo on the street. Text her and ask her what she'd like to drink and order hers so it's sat on the table waiting for her." 'I then replied going, "Such a good idea! Me getting advice, this is great!" He goes, "Then when she arrives say hello and all that jazz and cheers to good times and a good date." 'He then went: 'Look her in the eyes when you cheers, but not like a creep. Tell her she looks stunning. I mean you know this stuff - it's the basics". I reply going, "No I don't".' Laughing, Pete then praised his friend, saying: 'I then get the phone call post-date and it sounds like you handled it very, very well. Very well. Are you nervous about dating again?' Sam admitted: 'Absolutely terrified. But you know what? There's so many things that Pete gave me in that little snippet of advice. 'And I want to say, this is what you guys may not see. This is like behind the scenes, me just actually getting some advice from Pete and being nervous and stuff. 'And that's what Pete's so good at. He literally gave me a play by play of what to do. She walks in, I gave her a kiss on the cheek, I had a glass of wine waiting for her, I told her she looked lovely, I went "Here's to a great date" and we sat down and we were off at the races.' As Pete asked: 'But I feel like you know that stuff, surely?', Sam insisted he was clueless, saying: 'No idea. Pete I was going to hug her, I was going to wait outside for her, I was going to open her cab door for her. Bit keen.' Opening up on his nerves, saying: 'I've never been more nervous for like those kind of events. [Dating is] fun when you know she hasn't like recoiled. Like it's fun when you're like, "Oh okay actually this is going okay." That's when it becomes fun. 'The first part when she walks in... I haven't even told you that I was on the phone with producer Pippa after you had messaged me, being like "I'm nervous, I'm nervous." 'And then the lady in question walked in and I went, "Oh my God, she walked in, she looks beautiful." And she heard me say that and then I hung the phone up.' An exasperated Pete replied: 'F***ing hell. I mean I imagine she quite liked that. But still, listen Sam's in his f***ing dating era! That's why he's always dressed so well and looks so good.' Sam then discussed his recent 'glow up', and got candid over his confidence has suffered in recent months. He said: 'I'm aware that I looked like f***ing s**t. No I am aware of that, I've looked at photos, I've looked at videos and I've been like, "My God, you're a piece of s**t". 'And it was a pretty tough time back then, I was having to go over and be like "God you really let yourself go". And now I've got myself to a place where I feel like I'm happy and comfortable in my own skin again.' The happy update comes after MailOnline revealed that Sam spent the Easter weekend with new love interest Samie, 25. The former I'm A Celeb winner romanced the Love Island star at the King's Road Fine Food Market as sources close to the couple say 'they really like each other.' Sam first met Samie, who appeared on Love Island in 2023 and returned to the All Stars series this year, through his presenting role on spinoff, Aftersun. But following his breakup from 2018 Islander Zara, Sam and Samie started exchanging flirty messages over Instagram before hitting it off in person. An insider says Sam is beginning to feel sure on Samie and didn't mind who saw them out together in Chelsea. A source told MailOnline: 'Sam and Samie are really getting along and if early signs are anything to go by, this could turn into a long-term relationship. It may be early days still, but they do really like each other. 'Sam is already introducing Samie to Chelsea by showing her off on the King's Road over the Easter weekend and given how popular he is in the area, it meant a lot that he wasn't hiding her away.' The new couple spent Easter weekend getting to know each other better, while ex Zara did the same with Louis, 33, after taking their relationship public. MailOnline revealed that the former Strictly star had been spotted with the singer at a Sainsbury's Local self-service checkout on Easter Sunday. The couple wore laidback clothing as they were seen with their arms affectionately round each other while purchasing snacks in the supermarket. Zara's relationship with Louis was first revealed in March after the two were spotted at hotel The Suffolk in Aldeburgh. They have since been inseparable, spending time together in Los Angeles and London, as well as with Zara's close-knit family. While her latest Instagram post showed the approval of Louis' sisters, with Lottie
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tried M&S drink that tastes like ice cream but one thing disappointed me'
The temperatures are warmer and the sunshine keeps making an appearance, which means many of us are swapping our hot beverages from something cool and refreshing. It is no secret that us Brits love our tea and coffee, but nowadays the trendy thing to do is to order a matcha. Not only is the drink aesthetically pleasing, it shows off how much of a 'clean girl' you really are; it is packed with health benefits. I have to admit that I'm one of those people who can't get enough of matcha - and when I am wearing green, you best believe I am getting one to purely match my vibe. But, I have to admit that pure matcha can taste a bit like grass (we all tried a strand of grass while playing as a kid, right?), but mixing it with your favourite milk and/or delicious, flavoured sugar syrup makes all the difference in making it more like a milkshake. As someone who loves a cuppa, I have found it a great alternative that allows me to enjoy a lovely drink without getting a coffee. Recently, fans of the green beverage have been going wild for M&S' new matcha options. M&S cafes across the country offer an original Matcha Latte and a Vanilla Matcha Latte, both priced at £4, as well as the viral Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte. The Iced Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte has been dubbed "worth the hype" by customers who are encouraging others to give it a go. This sweet and creamy matcha blend, infused with notes of raspberry and white chocolate, is priced at £4.25. Fans simply can't resist it. After spending far too long lounging and scrolling on TikTok watching people sip on these drinks, I had to see if the Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte was worth the hype. I visited an M&S café in Leeds city centre recently to pick up the delight. Standing in the queue it appeared that I was the only one ordering this beverage as the regulars ordered their teas and coffees. Presentation and making process I watched the drink being made and was disappointed by the lack of freshness. The premade matcha was mixed with water and then kept in a container in the fridge. Competitors like Blank Street – where there are queues down the street for their famous matcha drinks – make each drink fresh. So this drink was not fresh enough for me. Firstly, I was the only one in the queue to order this drink, so surely they would have time to make it fresh in front of me. And secondly, I wouldn't want my espresso sitting there for hours before a coffee order, I would want it brewed in front of me. Considering the price, along with the standard from competitors, I think this element needs to be change. It felt like the staff had not been properly trained in making matcha drinks so they just premade the ingredients for ease. Nonetheless, the drink was made at a speedy pace, the staff member making it was lovely, and the drink looked fine presentation wise. The colour of the drink looked good, although quite light in comparison to promotional pictures of the drink, so you may want to add an extra shot of matcha if you prefer it stronger. Taste test Now, time for the taste test. I gave it a good stir and took a big gulp as my mouth watered. The drink was lovely and creamy, and tasted much like an ice cream on a hot day with raspberry sauce on top. While I drank it in the M&S café, I could imagine someone enjoying it in the garden on a hot day, with a paddling pool out and barbecue on. The delicious flavour left me excited to go back in for more. I would say it is on the sweet side – so if that is not your thing, I would stick to the regular matcha. And as previously pointed out, the paler colour means the matcha taste is not super powerful. However, those who want to enjoy the matcha benefits without the earthy green aftertaste, or try it for the first time, this could be perfection for you. Final summary I enjoyed the new M&S matcha drink, it is fun and fruity and reminds me of summer. However, I don't think it compares to matchas I have tried at the likes of Starbucks, Black Sheep or Blank Street, which feel significantly higher quality. The most disappointing detail was the beverage not being made to order. While it's nice on a hot day, I would't go to M&S specifically to get one. However, I would pick one up if I visited the café. So it's definitely worth a try if you are in the supermarket already! Rating: 6/10.
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Exact time cult coffee shop famous for its matcha creations opens in Glasgow tomorrow
The chain has had a meteoric rise after opening just five years ago PERFECT MATCHA Exact time cult coffee shop famous for its matcha creations opens in Glasgow tomorrow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CULT coffee house Blank Street opens in Glasgow tomorrow. And fans of the New York brand - famous for its matcha creations - are already desperate to give it a try. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The coffee house is famous for its matcha creations 2 Customers can head in from tomorrow Cafe bosses say the launch follows growing demand from locals after the runaway success of its Edinburgh debut earlier this year. The bright and airy new store, located in the heart of Glasgow's city centre on Gordon Street, opens just in time for customers to enjoy the brand's newly launched Spring menu. It includes the likes of the sweet Strawberry Shortcake Matcha and Rhubarb and Custard Matcha. Alongside the new seasonal flavours, customers can also get their hands on Blank Street's viral classics, such as the White Chocolate Matcha and Blueberry Matcha. And there will also be the classics, like a speciality cold brew or flat white. Blank Street's popularity extends from its roots in New York to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and now Glasgow. Ignacio Llado, Co-Founder at Blank Street, said: 'We couldn't be more excited to bring Blank Street to our second Scottish city, following the overwhelming response to our arrival in the capital of Edinburgh. "At Blank Street we believe that life is about finding joy in the everyday, and we can't wait to continue this with our new Glasgow opening.' The Gordon Street store opens at 8am tomorrow. And one fan said: "Most exciting thing to happen to Glasgow in a while." Meanwhile, another commented: "So happy Glasgow finally has a Blank Street. It's about time." Blank Street has only been on the go for five years. Scottish Cafe Closes Its Doors After Five Years In August 2020, the brand launched its first store, a tiny coffee cart in the garden of a Brooklyn diner. Today, they have 42 stores across the US and UK.
