A last-minute bank holiday for the momentous occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral means that many businesses will be closed on Monday, September 19. This includes many restaurants, pubs, cafes and even the fast food chains which always seem to be open.
Some restaurants will remain closed throughout the day, while others will be open in the evening following the day's events. Businesses are not officially required to close on the bank holiday, but many have decided to shut their doors as a mark of respect to the late Queen. McDonald's. KFC, Greggs and Subway are amongst the many closing their doors.
Read more: Which supermarkets are closed for the Queen's funeral today and which are open?
McDonald's
McDonald’s has said it will shut its UK restaurants as a mark of respect during the day of the Queen’s funeral. The fast-food giant, which has 1,300 sites across the UK, said outlets will be allowed to reopen at 5pm.
In a statement on Twitter, McDonald’s said: “In honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II and to enable everyone at McDonald’s to pay their respects, our restaurants across the UK will be closed from midnight until 5pm on Monday 19th September.”
Deliveries will also not be available until after 5pm, the company has said.
Starbucks
Starbucks made the announcement on Twitter, stating that all company-owned stores will be closed from 11am and 2pm on the day.
They said: "To support our partners (employees) and ensure they are able to pay their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II, we will be closing all company owned Starbucks stores in the UK between 11am and 2pm on Monday 19th September."
KFC
KFC said the majority of its restaurants would close during the Queen's funeral. However, some branches may stay open 'to ease pressure on public services'.
A spokesperson for KFC said: "KFC UK&I is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We will be joining the nation in respecting the official mourning period and will close the majority of our restaurants during the funeral, both to give the moment the respect it deserves and also to allow our team members to watch if they wish. A small number of restaurants in key locations will remain open to ease pressure on public services in crowded areas."
Subway
Some Subways restaurants will be closed today, while others will remain open. It is up to individual stores to decide their opening hours.
A spokesperson for Subway said: “Our thoughts are with the Royal Family, as the nation comes together to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Subway UK continues to follow the official royal protocol. We have shared government guidance with all our franchisees to encourage them to review their operating hours. All Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated, and will therefore determine local store openings as appropriate.”
Greggs
Greggs will close most of its stores during the bank holiday today.
The bakery chain said: "To give our colleagues the opportunity to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Greggs shops will be closed on Monday 19th September. A small number of our shops, operated by our franchise partners, may remain open. Thanks for your understanding."
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