Copyright walesonline
It looks ready to go - a great place for a drink and a snack on your journey. But there aren't any coffees, cakes or wraps being sold at this particular Starbucks. Instead, a new A55 coffee shop that appeared set to launch over the summer remains closed. Gastronomy Foods secured planning permission in 2021 on appeal for a Starbucks and KFC next to the McDonald's at the Singing Kettle services near Holywell and Caerwys. Construction began on the new drive-thru Starbucks earlier this year – with significant progress made during the spring and early summer. It appeared ready for business by the summer holidays. Colin Lyness, who runs TikTok page @face.your. fears1111, captured drone footage of the site in August, anticipating it would open soon. But fast forward to November and there remains no indication of an opening date, reports North Wales Live . Locals and motorists using the A55 have begun questioning what is behind the apparent hold-up, though Gastronomy has never confirmed a specific opening timeline. Various theories have emerged about why the doors haven't yet opened – from difficulties connecting utilities to potential issues with foundations. North Wales Live contacted Starbucks and Gastronomy. On social media, one driver said: "It's just been built and left, we drive past quite often and nothing looks like it's just ground to halt." Another said: "Did notice work seems to have halted." One person unconcerned by the delay said: "Do we need an over priced coffee shop?", whilst another added: "Should of been a KFC, not a coffee shop." Colin, who captured the drone footage, said it looked "ready to go" back in August and was equally unclear about why it hadn't opened. In response, Starbucks said: "We have no news to share about plans for Caerwys at this time." The situation has drawn comparisons with the partially constructed Starbucks at Asda in Queensferry. Construction commenced in the supermarket's car park in April, 2023 before halting unexpectedly once the structure's framework was erected. It was subsequently revealed that complications with a sewer pipe had emerged, with proposals then to tear down the site and construct an identical café nearby. However, in this instance the café is significantly more advanced in its construction, leaving enthusiasts of the brand optimistic for a more straightforward outcome that will see the premises open at the earliest opportunity.
