Starbucks will reopen 150 of its UK stores from Thursday - and NHS key workers will be offered free drinks.
The US coffee chain said roughly 15% of its UK coffee shops will serve customers again from Thursday, May 14 in the first phase of its reopening plan. They will mostly be drive-thru stores, although a "handful" of takeaway-only Starbucks shops will also resume trading.
Starbucks will reopen on with a 'to go only' model for the time being. Customers can either use the drive-thru service, takeaway or delivery and are encouraged to order ahead on the Starbucks app.
Starbucks will only accept card, contactless and app payments, as part of social distancing measures to protect staff and customers during the pandemic.
"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," Starbucks says.
Starbucks closed all of its UK sites in March after the Government-mandated lockdown was introduced to fight the coronavirus pandemic. NHS staff will be offered free drinks at the newly reopened Starbucks stores, as a token of thanks.
"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," Starbucks said in a message to customers.
The company said it has been "learning, testing and refining our operational standards every day" behind closed doors.
Employees have been paid during the closure and the chain said it "will not be accepting any opt-in government support" during the coronavirus crisis.
How to check if your nearest Starbucks is open
Starbucks says customers can check, from Thursday May 14, on its store locator here to find out if a nearby Starbucks is open.
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