Motorway food courts reopen

Motorway services operator Welcome Break has outlined plans to reopen scores of food and drink brands across its 26 sites, which include two in Scotland.

The group said it would open up 72 Starbucks cafe and drive-throughs, KFC and Burger King units by 4 June as people begin to return to work and travel further afield.

It noted that 32 of its food and beverage units across 18 service areas have already reopened and by 4 June an additional 40 units across all 26 sites will have reopened. This is in addition to all 39 forecourts and 36 retail stores which have remained open throughout the lockdown.

Burger King outlets at Abington Services and Gretna Green Services, both on the A74(M), are slated to open on 4 June.

Welcome Break chief executive John Diviney said: “As the lockdown slowly eases and people around the UK gradually return to work we are delighted to be opening up these great brands.

“It will provide a much-needed boost to those on the road and to support Britain working again. We very much look forward to welcoming back our returning customers.

“The health and safety of our colleagues and customers remains our absolute priority and we will continue to be guided by advice from Public Health England at all times.”

The firm said it had reconfigured the layout of its sites to enable customers to navigate around the buildings and adhere to physical distancing guidelines. It added: “As an essential service for the nation’s motorists we remained open throughout the lockdown with a limited offer to support those who needed to stay on the road.”

Formed in 1959, Welcome Break has 60 years’ experience in the sector and more than 5,500 employees. Its service areas are home to food and retail brands such as Waitrose, Starbucks, Harry Ramsden’s, WH Smith, KFC, Pizzaexpress and Burger King.