Better Latte than never ... Northampton's Starbucks drive-thru reopens with huge queues

Huge queues of coffee lovers chasing a caffeine fix greeted the re-opening of Northampton's Starbucks drive-thru on Thursday (May 14).

The global coffee brand unlocked 150 of its 1,000 UK outlets for the first time in 7½ weeks, but for drive-thru, takeaway or delivery only.

Northampton's site at St James Retail Park plus two in Corby and Kettering are among the lucky 150.

A Starbucks spokesman said: "With the easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads, from today we're beginning a phased reopening, starting with drive-thru and select takeaway-only stores.

"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 where 90 per cent of stores are now open, and the USA where we have 85 per cent of our stores open.

"And, 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.

"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."