In the light of customers looking to self-isolate from the Coronavirus threat, restaurants across the UK are stepping up to provide alternatives to their traditional fare.

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National office space provider Offices.co.uk requested last week for all restaurants surrounding its buildings to get in touch to provide takeaway food for those looking to minimise contact outside of their workplace. The move would not only help office-workers, but also maintaining cash-flow for struggling food outlets.

 

And it seems that local restaurants have also stepped up their game in this very fast-paced crisis. “Now that lots of people are working from home and staying at home, local restaurants are providing delivery-to-home meals as well. They’re facing this crisis head on, and they’re very entrepreneurial. And this isn’t Deliveroo – it’s real restaurants run by local people making deliveries themselves,” said Jonathan Ratcliffe from Offices.co.uk

 

Beyond Deliveroo

 

In Ratcliffe’s hometowns of Ilkley and Otley in Yorkshire, numerous restaurants are switching to delivery services of pre-made meals to cook at home. The delivery services allow phone ordering, and then delivery is to the doorstep or designated safe place – minimising contact.

 

It’s a trend being seen across the UK and shows that even with declining covers, restaurants can make a quick switch to ensure cash flow is maintained.

 

Local chef Chris Monkman from Ilkley has put together a menu of ready meals such as Moussaka, Chilli, Cottage Pie, Whitby Fish Pie, Curries, Lamb Tagine and Coq au Vin. These meals are freshly prepared, delivered and can then be cooked or frozen.

 

Posh burger van The Otley Burger Company is offering food delivery with either over-the-phone payment or wireless payment at the door. Food can be left on your doorstep, keeping to the idea of maintaining minimum human contact.

 

Another local restaurant in Otley, Buon Apps, is preparing its ‘At Home Menu’ of Italian classics for either collection or delivery.

 

The theme is echoed across the UK with restaurants offering a modern ‘Meals on Wheels’ service.

 

“This type of home-cooked food with delivery will be an important moral boost for those aged over 70, should they be asked to self-isolate in the near future, and shows great positivity to those in hardship”, adds Ratcliffe.