Starbucks is reopening 150 branches and drive throughs this week - here's the full list

Starbucks has announced that it plans to reopen 150 stores from Thursday 14 May.

The global coffee chain will initially open around 15 per cent of its UK stores. These branches will mainly be drive through outlets, with a small number of conventional stores reopening to offer a takeaway service.

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Starbucks closed all of its UK sites in March, after the Government-mandated lockdown was introduced.

The company said it has been "learning, testing and refining our operational standards every day" behind closed doors.

It said the reopening plan - which will start with stores broadly spread across the UK - will focus on ensuring the health and well-being of its employees and customers.

90% of Starbucks in China are open

The reopening comes after fast food retailers, such as Burger King and KFC, have reopened drive through sites. Meanwhile, some cafe chain rivals, like Pret a Manger, have reopened UK sites for takeaway customers.

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Starbucks has already reopened some of its sites in other regions, including the USA and China.

It said it has "taken learnings" from changes to its operations in China - where 90 per cent of sites are now open - and the US in consideration of its UK sites.

Safety measures at UK sites will include regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds, two metre social distancing, screens at payment areas, and the use of contactless payment only.

The reopening menu will include Starbucks' core range of drinks and a limited food range, it said.

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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.

The UK Starbucks team said, in a post on their website, "With the easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads (in England), 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."

To find a store that is open near you, from 14 May, visit the store locator on Starbucks.co.uk

What to expect from reopened Starbucks

‘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 Starbucks will continue to honour their personal cup discount.

Social distancing will be in place inside stores, along with extra cleaning protocols and precautions, including more frequent cleaning and sanitising of high-contact surface areas and increased hand washing 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 outlets.

As a small gesture of gratitude for everything NHS workers have done and continue to do, Starbucks is offering a free tall beverage of their choice at all stores.

All branches 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 the most popular items.

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