Edinburgh's new Costa Coffee drive-thru has opened, also offering customers the chance to sit in and click and collect.
The store, announced back in December 2020, has finally opened within Meadowbank, retail park, operating as a drive-thru as well as a sit-in cafe, which sparked fears amongst locals due to the lack of space already available in the area.
Joining the likes of Sainsbury's, KFC and B&M Bargains at the shopping park, builders have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to transfer the small unit into an already busy location for shoppers and locals.
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As well as a spacious indoor seating area, there are also various benches outside for the warmer summer months, including a huge canopy for when their iced drink range become more appropriate.
Located in the busy retail park, there will be no shortage of locals stopping by for breakfast or lunch, with the store opening as early as 6am throughout the week and closing at 9pm.
A section of the car park that was used by shoppers at Sainsbury's is now available for workers and customers to Costa, with a system also in place prompting those using the drive-thru to drive around the Sainsbury's car park before approaching the intercom to order.
It is the coffee giant' fourth Edinburgh drive-thru unit, joining those at Cameron Toll, next to the Range at the Jewel and Hermiston Gait.
After Savills proposed the initial plans for the venue in 2020, it was met by multiple rejections, with most pointing to the traffic congestion problem in the area, with the roundabout at the opening of Meadowbank retail park often appearing blocked by cars and buses.
There were also issues raised regarding the negative impact on local independent outlets, with Meadowbank and Abbeyhill becoming a popular spot for busy cafe's who will no doubt be hindered by the emergence of the new Costa store.
However, Costa adds to the regeneration of the area, with the huge Meadowbank Sports Centre and stadium due to open soon and recent blocks of student accommodation being built in the area, attracting more people to reside and shop just outside the city centre.
