Disgust as Bedford coffee shop stays open during coronavirus lockdown

Coffee Republic ignores Prime Minister's strict new measures designed to tackle outbreak
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A Bedford woman has blasted a popular coffee shop for staying open despite the Prime Minister's unprecedented announcement last night.

Magdalena Gonsiewska was queuing outside NatWest Bank in the High Street this morning (Tuesday) when she noticed Coffee Republic was open.

"It had 'We are open' notices on the windows and there was someone even sitting at their table inside the cafe," she said.

Coffee Republic (Picture by Magdalena Gonsiewska)Coffee Republic (Picture by Magdalena Gonsiewska)
Coffee Republic (Picture by Magdalena Gonsiewska)

"I was in the queue for 10 minutes. People behind me and in front of me couldn't believe it either. People should not be going in there. They shouldn't be open."

Magdalena was also concerned for the customer inside the shop.

"In the seating area there was a customer. There are vulnerable people in that coffee shop.

"It's not right. This won't go on for three weeks - it will go on for three months if people carry on like this. I was really upset by it - that's why I took the picture."

In last night's announcement, Boris Johnson outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

These included the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essential goods and a ban on public gatherings of more than two people.

Bedford Today tried to contact Coffee Republic on numerous occasions but failed to get an answer.

Bizarrely, on the shop's website, it was still posting the following statement, despite the Prime Minister's statement.

"Our bars will remain open for as long as we’re able to keep serving our valued customers."

Magdalena added: "Everything is closed in Bedford apart from Superdrug, chemists and banks. Coffee is not essential.

"This is not a quick fix. They should keep people safe. It really got to me to see this."

Coffee Republic is a franchise and a spokesman for the company's head office told Bedford Today that they instructed all bars they must all close in line with new legislation announced on Monday.

After seeing this article, we have contacted the owner who has assured us that the store is closed.