Starbucks has launched a range of milk alternatives in its stores, all of which are now available to customers at no extra cost.
It's a big move for the coffee chain, which is offering non-dairy choice for free at its UK stores for the very first time.
Whilst the company already serves alternative dairy options, until now the only one you could get for free was soya. Now, oat, almond, coconut and a Starbucks Original™ Nut Blend are all also free for customers to enjoy.
As Starbucks says that customisation of drinks is at its core, this latest menu change will not only provide more opportunities to personalise a drink to how you like it, but also make it even easier for customers to choose whichever dairy alternative or milk they prefer, all year round.
Starbucks UK offers five dairy alternatives – oat, soya, almond, coconut, and its exclusive Starbucks Original™ Nut Blend / Credit: Instagram (@starbucksuk)
This new change may have arrived just in time for Veganuary, but this isn’t the only time that Starbucks has catered for those with dairy allergies / intolerances, or following vegan diets.
Last year, Starbucks introduced a vegan alternative to whipped cream – the Vegan Whipped Topping.
A vegan reformulation of the Pumpkin Spice Latte was introduced in 2019 too.
Alongside the now-free dairy alternative range, Starbucks has launched a brand-new “beverage innovation” that’s all about the oat.
The popular coffeehouse chain is ringing in the new year with a whole host of new menu options too / Credit: Starbucks UK
Arriving in three “bold and vibrant” flavours – Strawberry & Vanilla, Honey & Hazelnut and Dark Cocoa & Orange – each handcrafted coffee in the new range has oat dairy alternative at its core, which is said to “enhance the distinctive flavour combination”.
Starbucks also teased new dairy alternative drinks for future seasons as part of its ongoing work to expand our plant-based menu too.
And those aren’t the only thing that’s new to the menu for 2022 either.
Starbucks new vegan and veggie food options include the brand-new and exclusive Tu’NAH Sandwich – which is made with Starbucks’ first plant-based fish alternative – as well as new plant-based sweet treats, such as the Pecan & Caramel Brownie, Carrot Cake, and the Chocolate & Caramel Muffin too.
Featured Image – Starbucks UK
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Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
The Hoot -
6th January 2022 
