The boss of Deliveroo, Will Shu, has said that “restaurants are hurting” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “Even if restrictions are lifted, there is going to be a long period of social distanced dining”.

Deliveroo has expanded its UK customer base, with the coronavirus pandemic accelerating the adoption of delivery apps.

Mr Shu said: “Covid-19 has really marked a new era of delivery.

“Since we started Deliveroo, there has been this incredible adoption towards online and apps.

“But I think that Covid-19 has brought forward this consumer behaviour by about 1 to 3 years.

“On the other hand, though, our restaurant partners are hurting”.

He said: “Technology firms like Deliveroo need to develop better tools for restaurants to operate safely and profitably”.

It comes as Deliveroo launches a new feature called ‘Table Service’.
From July 15, UK users will be able to order food and pay through the Deliveroo app when they have a sit-in meal at participating restaurants, cafes or pubs.

The firm says that it is aimed at making social distancing easier when eating out.