Costa has announced that several of its stores are back open - and one of them is in Watford.

The coffee chain said that its drive-thru lane in Watford Arches Retail Park is reopening from today (May 2).

It comes after the chain put in place new social distancing guidelines to reopen two drive-thrus and delivery stores last Friday.

After receiving a "fantastic response", Costa has now reopened 29 stores across the UK, 17 of which are for drive-thru only while 12 are open for delivery.

The store in Watford Arches Retail Park is opening for drive-thru only.

Costa says that while the stores are open to all customers, "they are intended to offer critical and key workers the chance to enjoy a Costa on essential journeys".

Watford Observer:

Jill McDonald, CEO of Costa Coffee, said: “Last week we made the decision to re-open two Drive Thru lanes and two stores for delivery only in line with the latest Government advice.

“The safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority and ahead of these stores re-opening, we put in place new social distancing guidelines, enhanced hygiene procedures and are providing teams with personal protective equipment.

“We have been really pleased with how well our stores teams have been able to adapt to our new ways working, allowing us to serve great coffee, as safely as possible.

“We have also received some great feedback from our customers and key workers taking advantage of enjoying a well-deserved coffee break whilst on essential journeys to or from work.”