Starbucks is set to reopen 150 stores in the UK from this Thursday – but only for delivery and takeaway orders.
The coffee chain will reopen about 15 per cent of stores on May 14th.
A spokesperson said ‘With the easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads, beginning 14 May we will begin a phased reopening of Starbucks Drive-Thru locations across the UK as well as a handful of takeaway-only stores.’
‘During our closure we have been testing and refining our new operational plans and upweighted safety procedures, drawing where we can on the successes our global teams have seen in China (90% of stores now open) and the US (85% of stores now open) localising as necessary in line with the latest guidance form national government and health authorities.’
Your Starbucks Experience in the UK will look a little different, here’s what you can expect:
- ‘To-Go’ only model – offered via Drive-Thru, takeaway or delivery – minimising partner and customer touchpoints. All drinks will be served in a to-go paper cup, although we will continue to honour the personal cup discount.
- Social distancing will be in place inside our stores along with extra cleaning protocols and precautions, including more frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high-contact surface areas and increased handwashing by partners.
- Contactless payments only either by card, phone, or the Starbucks Rewards app which also enables customers to order ahead. Plexiglass screens will also be in place across all our stores.
- As a small gesture of gratitude for everything NHS workers have and continue to do, we’re offering a free Tall beverage of their choice at our stores.
- All stores will be serving a near-complete beverage menu, with everything from Lattes to Cappuccinos, Iced Coffees and Teas to Frappuccinos. Food will also be on offer but with a slightly more restricted menu, focused on our most popular items.
It is not yet known if the Swindon drive-thru will be open however you will be able to visit the store locator on Starbucks.co.uk to check.
