Coffee back on the menu as Portsmouth Starbucks branches reopen

The branches in Burrfields Road, Copnor and in Lakeside are among the 150 across the country reopened on Thursday by the coffee giant.

The chain decided to reopen after Boris Johnson’s Sunday address to the nation in which the prime minister unveiled the gradual easing of lockdown.

Branches have been closed since March 23, even though cafes and restaurants were allowed to continue to offer a takeaway service.

Customers can place their orders via the drive-through lanes – where possible – or by the Starbucks app. To reduce crowds, there will be staggered collection times and contactless payments to avoid the exchange of cash.

Staff will serve from behind protective screens with customers collecting drinks from a designated area where a two-metre distance from other people can be maintained.

A Starbucks spokesman said: ‘As has been the case since the onset of the outbreak, we continue to make every decision with the safety of our employees and customers as our greatest priority.

‘With the easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads, we will begin a phased reopening of Starbucks drive through locations across the UK as well as a handful of takeaway-only stores.’

Two weeks ago, Burger King in Havant was the fast food giant’s first drive through to reopen.

The Lakeside takeaway service and the Burrfields Road drive-through are open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and also includes a limited range of food.