STARBUCKS is to reopen around 150 stores across the UK from Thursday.

The global coffee chain said it will open around 15 per cent of its UK stores in the first phase of its reopening plans, which are predominantly focused on drive thru stores.

Only a small percentage of the coffee outlets are drive thru. In Flintshire, there are drive thru shops in Mold and on Deeside Industrial Estate.

Customers will be able to find out which stores are open at the Starbucks store locator on Thursday.

It said it will also reopen a "handful of takeaway-only stores" as it continues with preparations to allow all of its UK stores to be reopened.

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

he 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 wellbeing of its employees and customers.

The reopening comes after fast food retailers, such as Burger King and KFC, have reopened Drive Thru sites.

Meanwhile, some cafe chain rivals such as Pret a Manger have reopened UK sites for takeaway customers.

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

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

New 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.

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.

In a message to customers, Starbucks said: "As has been the case since the onset of the outbreak, we continue to make every decision with the safety of our partners (employees) and customers as our greatest priority. 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.

"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."

Visiting Starbucks 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.