Starbucks names first outlet to sell alcohol

US coffee giant will sell beer and wine for the first time at Stansted Airport

Starbucks has announced that it will begin offering beer and wine to customers in the evenings for the first time.

The US coffee giant, which has more than 700 stores across the UK, will offer a new menu - including hot dishes and snacks such as pulled pork chili, hummus and flatbreads - from 4pm at its Stansted Airport outlet.

The chain, which is calling the venture 'Starbucks Evenings', has said it will consider rolling out the programme to other British stores, the Daily Telegraph reported.

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It has already taken the same step in America, where there are now 30 branches that offer the service.

Ian Cranna, a spokesperson for Starbucks, said that their aim was to provide a "welcoming coffeehouse environment".

It appears to be the latest move to woo customers away from bars and restaurants, and to appeal to more discerning drinkers.

In December, Starbucks announced a posher version of its normal stores, with more expensive coffee in its Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room.