// A further 47 M&S cafes have reopened for takeaway only, after the initial 48 last month
// This means 95 M&S Cafes are now open for takeaway hot drinks only
// M&S has also resumed its popular food-to-order service
M&S has confirmed that an additional 47 in-store cafes have reopened for takeaway coffee only, in the same week that its clothing & home stores exited lockdown.
The latest tranche of reopened cafes comes after M&S opened 48 last month, bringing the total now open to 95 across the retailer’s UK & Ireland store estate.
M&S said the cafes selected for re-opening will also operate with the same social distancing and extra hygiene measures as all M&S food stores that have remained open during the coronavirus pandemic.
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M&S said its café staff have been given “rigorous guidance” and there would be extensive signage for customers so they can pick up their coffee safely.
This measures in place include perspex screens at each cafe till, staff being required to wash their hands every half hour and any time immediately after taking cash payments, regular sanitation of surfaces, two-metre floor markings for the queue, contactless payment, and requiring customers to put the lid on the drinks themselves.
In addition, each M&S cafe would only have have staff member working behind the counter, and they would be taking the payment as well as making the drinks.
Separately, M&S has confirmed the return of its popular food-to-order service.
As customers begin to start socialising more outdoors, they can now order food products for pickup in store – whether it’s for a picnic, barbecue or dinner at home.
Customers can order online and collect at their local M&S store on a chosen date.
The news comes after M&S this week reopened 260 clothing and home stores that are located adjacent to M&S food halls in England.
It also reopened 25 clothing-only outlet stores across the country, as per government guidance for non-essential shops to now be able to trade and welcome customers in-stores again after almost three months of lockdown.
M&S’s cafes may not full reopen and allow customers to sit at tables until July at the earliest, as it awaits government guidance on when lockdown restrictions will be eased for the hospitality and dining sector.
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