Bewiched reopen their first coffee shop for takeaway

Bewiched Higham Ferrers reopened this morning with social distancing measures in place

Local favourite Bewiched reopened their first coffee shop today following the full closure of the chain during the coronavirus pandemic.

The chain, which has eleven shops across Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, opened the doors to its Higham Ferrers shops for takeaway only with strict social distancing measures in place.

The company has now said it plans to reopen at least one of its shops each week, including those in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Northampton and Rushden Lakes.

Brucie stickers have been placed on the floor to ensure customers stay 2m away from each other

Many high street food businesses that closed during lockdown over fears for safety are now starting to reopen to cater for growing numbers of people visiting town centres and retail parks during the sunnier weather.

A Bewiched spokesman said: "We have floor stickers and safety screens installed. We are then doing this across all eleven stores and are working on a click and collect mobile app too.

"We are looking to open at least one store a week from next week and we are diligently working through the safety measures to ensure they are right first time."

Bewiched founder Matt Fountain opened his first store a decade ago and it now serves 18,000 customers per week - preparing half a million cups of coffee every year.