Vindalocal! Now get your takeaway delivered to the pub
THE days of heading to the kebab shop or chippy after a few pints could soon be over.
Instead, drinkers will be able to order a takeaway without leaving the comfort of their own bar stool.
Deliveroo is launching a scheme for pubs without kitchens to allow drinkers to order food straight to their local.
The service could be a boon for establishments which have struggled to fight off competition from gastro-pubs.
It would mean they could keep drinkers in pubs for longer by allowing them to order anything from a curry to a pizza with their pint. However, pub trade body the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said the idea was ‘fraught with dangers’.
Operations director Martin Caffrey said: ‘Where the difficulty may come is when customers opt for strong smelling food which could annoy other punters.
‘ Pub owners may find they need to regain control by only allowing certain cuisines onto the premises.’
Deliveroo, which until now delivered for restaurants that do not have their own takeaway service, has decided to cash in on the opportunity after seeing increased demand for food to be delivered to pubs and bars.
The roll-out of the scheme,which starts next year, follows a successful trial with 20 pubs. The online takeaway firm has seen sales soar in recent months, leading some restaurants which use its services to add extra kitchen space in nearby car parks.
Deliveroo has also been setting up windowless metal structures across the UK, which are essentially container sheds with stoves and fridges.
It has set up 11 of the sites so far, which are based in London, Leeds, Reading and Hove. And its pub partnership could lead to a further boost in demand.
A Deliveroo spokesman said: ‘We’ve already set up great partnerships with several pubs and bars across the UK, offering the establishments access to Deliveroo branded items to help prompt visitors to order some delicious food to enjoy with their pint.’