71% of Brits consider pub takeaways ‘essential service’

The research from High Speed Training of 2,000 adults also found eight in 10 (79%) were aware of a local establishment that had adapted their business to offer deliveries in response to closures.

The primary reason behind people ordering was concern about the survival of local businesses and supporting the livelihood of local people.

The second reason for orders was difficulty finding stock in supermarkets and beyond buying takeaway meals and drinks, 15% of people indicated they were keen to show support by purchasing ingredients and groceries directly from their local pub or restaurant.

Local communities

High Speed Training hospitality specialist Sarah Taylor said: “It is fantastic to see local communities coming together to support each other.

“Our research shows not only are members of the public keen to support the livelihoods of local people and businesses, but those same businesses are providing a much-needed comfort to people at home.

“It is clear there is still an important role for local pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants at the heart of their communities.”

Delivery opportunities

This comes after data analysts CGA found more than half of consumers (53%) had either used a delivery service​ or were planning on doing so in the week before the Prime Minister placed the country on lockdown.

A further 13% of those said they were getting a delivery from a venue for the first time or more often than normal in the two weeks before 24 March.

The research also revealed a third (32%) were looking for opportunities to have food and drink delivered.

Of those who have already increased their delivery orders, three fifths (60%) were aged under 35, half (50%) were parents, 38% were city dwellers and 48% of all those planning to increase delivery in the future lived in suburban areas.