STARBUCKS came to Bournemouth’s Richmond Hill yesterday.

Customers began arriving at the new branch of the coffee giant soon after it opened at 7am.

The business is a franchised operation run by New Forest businessmen Mark Hepburn and Anil Patil, who opened a branch at the Triangle last year.

They have taken on 22 local staff, with some promoted from the team at the Triangle.

The Richmond Hill coffee shop – made up of two previously empty shop units – is the 10th for Mr Hepburn and Mr Patil and their company 23.5 Degrees.

Starbucks traditionally runs branches itself, but the pair became its first franchisees in the world when they opened a branch in Liphook, Hampshire, in February 2013.

Guests yesterday included Bournemouth’s mayor, Cllr Chris Mayne, who said it was good to see new businesses opening in the town.

“I’m always pleased to support businesses generally, things that help with the economy and growth,” he said.

He said the branch would help bring new life to the area near the Square.