Coffee lovers can pick up freshly roasted coffee, other hot and cold drinks, and cakes to go at 200 Degrees Coffee’s Colmore Row shop in Birmingham city centre, following its reopening last week.
While many enjoyed coffees through home nitro cold brew coffee makers during the lockdowns, many people miss visiting their favorite coffee shops, like 200 Degrees in Birmingham. Open seven days a week for takeaway service only, 200 Degrees is serving its signature freshly roasted coffee as well as its full range of hot and cold drinks, and a selection of pre-wrapped cakes and sweet treats, ideal for those who are working in the city centre, commuting from the nearby Snow Hill and New Street stations, and for passers-by enjoying their daily exercise.
The COVID-19 health pandemic struck Brimingham and the entire country like a storm. Amidst the lockdowns and quarantines, the government allows small businesses to operate now since vaccine is available. Of course, businesses need to follow safety and health protocols.
To fall in line with social distancing regulations, a limited number of customers are allowed into the shop at any one time and floor markings are in place to help customers move around the shop safely.
In addition, only two members of staff are working behind the counters which have new Perspex screens in place, and payments are cashless only, either via card or the digital 200 Degrees app. Such mode of payment help prevent contact with the virus, increasing the chances of acquiring COVID-19.
Other safety measures include recording the temperature of the 200 Degrees team members each morning, team hand washing every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, and hand sanitizer supplied for both the team and customers in the shop.
These safety protocols are carried out as part of the new normal even if vaccines are now available. While mass vaccination promises to eliminate the virus, the world needs to wait for some time to make sure that coronavirus has been totally eradicated. Vaccines will be given in several doses until herd (mass) immunity is achieved. But not until then, consumers and businesses need to work out to prevent transmission of the virus.
Co-founder of 200 Degrees, Rob Darby, said: “We are so pleased to have reopened our Colmore Row shop in the heart of the business district of Birmingham city centre. This is our third shop reopening in the last few weeks and we’d like to thank everyone for their continued support of 200 Degrees during these unprecedented times.
“We love welcoming back our loyal customers and seeing new faces who are looking to grab a cup of our well-loved coffee, as well as other hot and cold beverages and cakes to enjoy on the go. The safety of our customers and team is always our main priority and due to the current situation, we have taken all the necessary steps to ensure government safety guidance is strictly adhered to.
“The decision to reopen our Colmore Row shop in the commercial heart of the city was due to the fact that it is large and therefore we have the space to put into place the social distancing measures. Its location and close proximity to two of Birmingham’s busy main train stations is also a factor and we have a solid takeaway trade at this shop. It’s in a prime position for people to safely grab a coffee whilst commuting to work or whilst taking a stroll for exercise.
“We’ve recently reopened our Nottingham Flying Horse Walk and Carrington Street shops, and our Lincoln shop for takeaway services. Each reopening has gone well so far and we feel that the gradual reopening of our shops is a positive first step towards reintroducing our offering to the public. We will of course be looking at growing our food options and potentially opening further shops for takeaway in due course.”
200 Degrees and other businesses in the Birmingham area are doing their best to ensure public safety. Customers are guaranteed full coffee shop’s compliance with safety and health protocols. Everyone is also advised to follow basic rules, such as wearing of face coverings (face mask and face shields) and adhere to social distancing.
The Birmingham Colmore Row shop is located at 21 Colmore Row, and is open for takeaway service Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.