Popular Sunderland seafront coffee shop temporarily closes to ensure staff and customer safety

It’s been a difficult week for Sunderland businesses which have had to adapt to the new lockdown restrictions.

Coffee shops are permitted to stay open for takeout under the new regulations, and many have done so for people passing on their daily walk. Click & Collect has also been more actively encouraged to shorten waiting times.

Fausto in Marine Walk, Roker, had initially opened this week for click & collect, however, the independent coffee shop has since announced it is temporarily closing over safety concerns.

A statement on their social media pages reads: “It is with a heavy heart, and indeed conscience, that we have decided to temporarily close our little shop.

"The Covid situation is clearly out of hand, our dear NHS is once again on its knees, and whilst we try our best to follow Government guidelines, we simply cannot ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

"We tried to run a click & collect only today, with the majority of people being understanding. However, the girls in the shop did receive unnecessary moans and groans from unmasked passersby asking for drinks / why they couldn’t just come in to order / I only want a coffee etc.

"The negatives outweigh the positives in this situation and it just doesn’t sit well with us. At home we are all safe.”

Owners have thanked people for their understanding and say they will review the situation in the next fortnight.

Related: Sunderland shop owners call for support in Lockdown 3.

CoffeeHaus in John Street has also decided to temporarily close in light of the new lockdown with owner Ashley Bell saying: “Understanding that on some weird level of new rules and regulations we can stay open, personally, this is really cutting it fine.

"I really couldn’t (and shouldn’t) encourage all of you lovely souls to come down for a takeout. Especially when the emphasis on ‘Stay Home’ has been pushed even further again.”

There are a number of coffee shops people can still use if they’re passing on their daily walk or when out for essentials, which have social distancing in place, such as Sue’s Cafe and Love Lily in Roker, Grinder in Durham Road and Paticake Patisserie in Thornhill.

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