A GROWING number of bars and restaurants across Scotland are offering takeaway and delivery services as operators attempt to keep their businesses afloat amid the coronavirus crisis.
A relaxation of planning rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaway establishments and supply food to be consumed outwith the premises was announced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday (March 18). Operators wishing to deliver alcohol must have permission for off-sales of alcohol on the premises licence.
The operators behind Glasgow venues, Ox and Finch and Ka Pao – both of which closed on a temporary basis on March 17 – launched a takeaway service on March 19 operating from the Ka Pao venue in Glasgow’s west end. The food pick-up service is available daily from 12noon until 10pm and features a combined menu of dishes from both venues.
Elsewhere, The Bridge Inn, in Ratho, launched its food collection and delivery service on Wednesday (March 18). A menu including a selection of the venue’s most popular dishes is available to order from 12noon until 3pm and then 5pm until 9pm.
Wedgewood the Restaurant on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Tuk Tuk Indian restaurant are running collection services; The Little Chartroom bistro on Leith Walk and Grill on the Corner in Glasgow are running both home deliveries and food pick-up; and Harajuku Kitchen in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh, is operating a delivery service.
Kaori Simpson, owner of Harajuku Kitchen, said: “We made the decision to start a home delivery service, to support the community, especially those who are self-isolating or working from home.
“It’s a really hard time for everyone, we want our customers to be able to enjoy our dishes from the comfort of their own homes.”
Brewdog, has introduced a ‘click and collect’ food, beer and spirits service called BrewDog Drive Thru, which can be accessed through the company’s mobile app, Hop Drop, and Brewdog bars.
And chef Mark Heirs is set to launch a delivery service to drop off essential goods and hot meals to those most at risk of the COVID-19 virus in the Stirling and Falkirk areas from March 23.
A number of other pubs, restaurants and hotels are urging customers to purchase gift vouchers to be used at a later date.
