Order’s up: Ten chains that have reopened for delivery

Some may argue that the temporary closure of many of the world’s biggest fast-food chains is good for the nation’s collective waistline. Others may maintain that being one click away from comfort food could provide some crucial consolation during the dreary days of lockdown. Regardless, some of the country’s most popular chains are finding ways to reach their customers with the aid of Just East, Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Here are some of the brands you may be able to get your hands on.

McDonald’s

Today’s the day that the ever-reliable Maccy D’s reopens for delivery in 15 lucky locations. The four restaurants popping up on Uber Eats in the capital are in Tooting, Dalston, Harrow and Welling, though if you are lucky enough to be commuting from Luton you’ve hit the jackpot, as all three of the town’s branches are firing up the grill.

Franco Manca

With half of the capital making their own sourdough starters, it’s unsurprising that pizza chain Franco Manca saw fit to reopen service and start producing their famous sourdough bases at 12 London sites. The brand are also working under the Feed Our Front Line initiative to provide free meals for healthcare workers.

Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger, known for their fresh and healthy – if over-priced – highstreet snacks, are also opening their doors for takeaway. The brand have reopened 101 stores, 85 of which are located in London, and is also offering delivery through Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.

Costa

It’s fitting that the coffee shop that is almost impossible to avoid have managed to find their way to people’s front door. 33 cafés were originally opened, with a further 46 added on Friday, 15 of which are drive-thru locations. The chain is a bit behind main market competitor Starbucks and its 150 stores, but ahead of Cafe Nero.

Shake Shack

High-end burger joint Shake Shack have also joined the party, though on a more minimal scale, opening two of their sites in Tottenham Court Road and Canary Wharf along with a special Deliveroo Editions dark kitchen in Battersea. On top of this, the small but mighty team have been working to deliver 1,000 meals to the NHS.

Nando’s

This ever-popular “cheeky” chicken chain has been giving back recently by delivering 10,000 meals to charities and the NHS. Now it’s giving its loyal customer base a chance to get their hands on the famous Peri-Peri sauce, with seven restaurants opened for delivery via Deliveroo on 28^th April and a few now offering collection.

KFC

Lovers of the classic finger-licking chicken will be pleased to hear that by Friday, 50% of KFC’s branches should be in operation. The chain have been gradually reopening their restaurants for delivery for the past fortnight, with a limited menu available on Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats, and certain venues offering drive-thru.

Subway

Sandwich giant Subway were one of the first big food chains to restart delivery operations, opening up no less than 600 branches (a quarter of its UK venues) on 12^th May. This includes 123 London locations; use their store locator to find your closest Subway joint.

Burger King

McDonald’s slightly classier brother has also reopened for business and continues to grow in scale, today expanding operations again with the addition of 72 restaurants to the previous list of 50. The brand apparently aim to open 20 branches a week until all 500 are back in action.

Five Guys

The slightly more upmarket Five Guys actually never closed fully throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with 13 branches still open for takeaway and collection. However, they are slowly increasing their output, with no less than 15 restaurants now delivering throughout London.

Rosamund Kelby