Edinburgh food delivery: Here's how you can help local restaurants and shops – Angus Robertson

From the bread baked by Twelve Triangles to a meal from Wedgwood, there are quite a few great Edinburgh firms which are still operating as takeways or delivery services, writes Angus Robertson.

Armstrong's in Stockbridge is a good choice if you fancy from fish

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes in shopping and eating habits that the experts believe are here to stay. Movement restrictions and social distancing have driven delivery services through the roof as we have things dropped off at the front door as never before.

Unsurprisingly the big delivery companies like Amazon have been thriving in the lockdown as have the home drop-off services by larger supermarkets, although demand can be overwhelming for delivery slots. Now Amazon is set to launch an ultra-fast grocery service, which will be able to turn around orders in a few hours. Consumers will no doubt embrace the trusted delivery service.

We should, however, support our local smaller shops and restaurants, many of whom have begun delivery services to make life easier for consumers during the lockdown. As never before, there is a wide range on offer in Edinburgh. Small businesses deserve our support in these tough times.

To make life easier, a special “secret takeaways” website is now available to guide consumers towards businesses that are not likely to be on the big delivery apps like Just Eat or Deliveroo, that are often the only source some people use.

“Secret Takeaways in Edinburgh” has been compiled by tech start-up ‘Occupyd’, which normally operates as a web-based marketplace for businesses that can hire out underused space to people who need it.

Their website highlights restaurants, cafes, bakeries, grocers and food shops that are open during the lockdown for delivery or takeaway.

Businesses can add their details to the list, which helps customers find out who is operating during the lockdown, what is on offer and the best way to order.

Thousands of people have visited the website since it was launched, and I have started ordering supplies and prepared food too. It’s first-class and the choice is really wide.

If you’re cooking yourself and need supplies; why not try Root to Market from the award-winning husband and wife team who have Fhior restaurant on Broughton Street? How about veggie and fruit box options delivered from the Edinburgh Ice Company in Summerhall and Roots on William Street? Fancy some fresh fish? Try Armstrongs of Stockbridge. Or what about a butchers? Try Saunderson’s near Bruntsfield Links. Personally I’m especially loving the bread from Twelve Triangles in Leith, although you have to order first thing online otherwise they’re sold out. Other great bakeries include Archipelago and the Bluebird Cafe.

If you fancy somebody else cooking for you; how about some healthy food from Hendersons on Hanover Street? What about a pizza from Civerinos or tasty Italian takeaway from Di Giorgio? Excellent Scottish restaurants like Stac Polly on Dublin Street and Wedgwood on the Royal Mile are doing delivery too.

No matter what your taste in food or your grocery shopping needs there are excellent small businesses operating in Edinburgh that do delivery and takeaway during the lockdown.

If you’re looking for inspiration try the “Secret Takeaway in Edinburgh”. Our local restaurants, bakeries, grocers and food shops deserve our support, especially now. Take the opportunity to try something new.

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