M&S have been successfully operating social distancing and extra hygiene measures in their stores for some time and have now taken the decision to re-open 49 café locations across the UK from tomorrow (14 May) – from Braehead to Belfast, and Cramlington to Cheshunt.
Their local cafés will be opening for take away hot drinks only. The 49 chosen are all where the café (which may be branded ‘Marketplace’ or ‘Coffee to Go’) is located next to the Foodhall – meaning customers can pick up a barista coffee whilst doing their food shop. The re-opening follows a trial at five of the locations, including High Street Kensington Coffee to Go and Maybrook Canterbury.
The M&S café team has prepared rigorous guidance for colleagues and will have extensive signage for customers so they can pick up their coffee safely. Measures in place include:
Protective equipment – Perspex screens (pictured below) will be installed at each Café till.
Extensive hygiene processes – All colleagues will wash their hands every 30 minutes as a minimum, with additional washing immediately after taking cash payments. Surfaces will be sanitised regularly, with particular attention paid to pinpads, as is A large empty room
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Clear signage – Signs will remind customers about social distancing requirements and guide them on how to move safely through the hot drink-to-go journey. For example, floor markings will show customers where to stand if they need to queue in order to ensure they are 2 metres apart from the next customer.
One colleague only – will work behind the counter to ensure social distancing. The colleague will take the payment and make the drink, so whilst it may take a little longer than usual, we will ask for our customers’ patience.
Contactless payment – will be encouraged just like in our Foodhalls through extensive signage.
Contactless collection – Hot drinks with the accompanying lid will be placed in the hatch under the screen to allow the customer to pick it up and put on their own lid.
For customers to enjoy on days they’re at home, M&S Foodhalls sell coffee pods (compatible with Nespresso machines) for only 30p a pod.
