Video of Portchester cafe's 'social distancing' coffee order goes viral

The video, filmed at Salt Cafe, in the the WicorMarine Yacht Haven in Cranleigh Road, Portchester, shows a staff member hurling a cappuccino order and a brownie at owner Imogen Waddington from a distance of two metres – as per the government’s guidance on social distancing.

Now, the video has been viewed more than 55,000 times across social media.

Imogen is thrilled that the stunt – intended to be ‘a bit of fun’ – has lifted the community’s spirits.

She said: ‘I know it’s made people laugh, which is very sweet.

‘It was a lot of fun to make – although it took a few takes and I did get covered in coffee a few times.’

The cafe, which is open for takeaway orders, has already planned for serving seated customers if Covid-19 prevention measures remain in place when it fully reopens, according to Imogen.

She said: ‘You have to be sensible – you could serve to an empty table and then call people’s names so they can collect their order.’

Set up seven years ago, the cafe has had to furlough staff due to the national lockdown and its sister site – The Beach Hut Cafe in Trafalgar Wharf – remains closed.

Imogen added: ‘We have had support from the government with a grant and we have quite a good relationship with our environmental health officer – they have been brilliant.’

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