STARBUCKS will not be returning to the city centre, it has been confirmed. 

The Journal reported in April that the coffee chain was planning on taking over the empty building of 14 Minster Street/22 Oatmeal Row.

The former banking hall, which also has first floor offices, used to host the Royal Bank of Scotland.

According to estate agents Myddelton & Major, the lease expires in June 2025.

Starbucks had previously been on Silver Street, but closed in May 2020. 

Our report in April said that the founder and owner of neighbouring business, Henderson’s Artisan Bakery, Paul Henderson, and Rory Clark, owner of Naked Bagels, had heard about Starbucks’ move.

Mr Clark said: “Hopefully it will bring more people to the Market Square and hopefully smaller independents on Market Place and Ox Row will benefit. [The premises] has been under offer for quite a while, but I have heard it was Starbucks.”

Salisbury City Councillor Jeremy Nettle (Cons, representing Fisherton and Bemerton) said: “There are many independents in Salisbury, and there is a lot to be positive about. I don’t like all the negativity I see online.”

But now Starbucks has told the Journal that these reports were not accurate and that is currently has no plans to open in Salisbury.