In today’s fast-paced world, the online food delivery industry is booming, and the UK is right in the centre of it. With busy schedules becoming the norm, people are turning to online food ordering for convenience and tasty meals delivered straight to their door. But with so many options out there, how do you know which online food ordering system is the right fit for you?
Let’s dive into the world of popular food delivery portals in the UK to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore each one in detail so you can find the perfect match for your cravings and lifestyle.
UK’s Online Food Ordering System – an Overview
The online food delivery landscape is revolutionising how we experience dining in the UK. With more meal companies and restaurants embracing digital platforms, the industry is witnessing unprecedented growth. During the pandemic, JustEat, a leading food delivery app, saw a significant surge in app installs, emerging as a favourite among Britons.
Today, takeaway and doorstep delivery have emerged as significant revenue streams for the UK food market, thanks to technological advancements enabling seamless online ordering. Last year alone, the UK saw a staggering 7.5 billion food deliveries, showcasing the growing preference for online food services. A study conducted in August 2023 revealed that 39 million Britons opt for meal delivery services, a number expected to soar to over 80 million by 2027.
Apps like UberEats and Deliveroo have also captured widespread attention and usage across the UK, offering restaurant owners unprecedented opportunities to expand their customer base and boost sales without the constraints of geographical limitations.
Top Online Food Ordering Portals in The UK
There are quite a few online food ordering portals available in the UK that you can rely on to order food or book a table. Check out the following list that will provide you with reliable options.
JustEat
JustEat, headquartered in London, UK, is a leading online food delivery platform that connects restaurants with customers. With a presence in 13 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK, JustEat offers users the convenience of searching for local restaurants and placing orders online.
Its flexible business model allows users to opt for either pick-up or delivery options according to their preferences. In July 2020, JustEat expanded its services to South America, further broadening its global reach across more than 20 countries.
Despite experiencing a decline in orders due to customer cutbacks, JustEat remains profitable in 2023, a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the competitive online food delivery market.
FoodHub
Food Hub stands out as the premier food delivery platform in the UK, boasting various cuisines available for delivery right to your doorstep or for takeaway.
What sets Food Hub apart is its unique approach: unlike other food delivery apps, Food Hub doesn’t charge restaurants any commission. This means that restaurants can flourish without the burden of additional fees, allowing them to offer the best deals and discounts to both customers and themselves.
With Food Hub, everyone wins—customers enjoy significant savings and a diverse selection of food, while restaurants thrive without worrying about extra costs.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats, born from the success of Uber’s on-demand taxi service, emerged as a top contender in the food delivery market. Utilising the same infrastructure, Uber Eats swiftly gained traction, aiming to dominate the industry. With its seamless platform, users can easily place orders online, and they are delivered quickly by Uber drivers.
In a strategic move, Uber Eats restructured its partnerships, parting ways with McDonald’s in the UK to collaborate with JustEat. This shift, coupled with the pandemic-induced surge in demand, led to a remarkable 30% increase in app downloads and new customers. Uber Eats’ adaptable business model was pivotal in its success during challenging times.
Deliveroo
Deliveroo has risen as a dominant force in the UK’s food delivery landscape in the past six years, emerging as one of the most successful and profitable startups. With a vast network of over 10,000 partner restaurants and cafes, Deliveroo offers swift delivery to meet customers’ cravings promptly.
Deliveroo operates in countries like Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, and UAE, extending its footprint beyond the UK. Continuously refining its business model and broadening its array of partner outlets, Deliveroo ensures seamless ordering experiences for users worldwide.
Employing cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, Deliveroo optimises delivery routes, cutting delivery times and supporting efficiency. In a 2023 survey of UK consumers on online food delivery preferences, Deliveroo secured the second spot, with half of the respondents favouring the platform for their food orders.
ChefOnline
ChefOnline is a premier destination for online food ordering in the UK. It seamlessly connects food enthusiasts with a diverse array of local restaurants and takeaways. No matter what culinary cravings strike, users can easily explore a wide selection of nearby restaurants.
The platform boasts exclusive discounts and tempting deals as customers peruse tantalising menus, all with the mission of becoming the greatest online food ordering platform in the UK.
With its intuitive website and user-friendly app, ChefOnline prioritises customer satisfaction by catering to their specific preferences and needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free ordering process.
Whether seeking a quick takeaway or making a restaurant reservation, ChefOnline simplifies the search for the perfect dining experience with just a few clicks.
Hungry House
Hungry House, a British food delivery app, became part of the JustEat family in 2017. Despite being smaller than its parent company, Hungry House boasts an extensive network of over 10,000 restaurants.
With its swift delivery service facilitated by couriers and minimal fees, Hungry House has carved a notable niche in the UK food delivery scene. While it may not match the scale of JustEat, its reputation and efficient service have earned it a prominent position among food enthusiasts across the country.
Slice
Slice is a specialised online ordering platform tailored for pizza aficionados. It connects pizza lovers in the UK with local pizzerias, offering seamless delivery or takeaway options through its user-friendly app and website.
In essence, online food ordering systems not only broaden restaurants’ customer reach but also provide people with a plethora of choices for convenient meal delivery or swift pickup. Leading services such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Grubhub have forged partnerships with numerous restaurants, ensuring smooth and hassle-free food ordering and delivery experiences for all.
GrubHub
Grubhub, an American company expanding its reach to the UK, is revolutionising how people access local restaurants for delivery and pickup orders. With a vast network of thousands of restaurants at their fingertips, customers can explore diverse cuisines and discover new dining experiences. What sets Grubhub apart is its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering enticing deals and rewards to sweeten the dining experience.
The user-friendly Grubhub app and website make ordering a snap. They provide seamless navigation and convenient features for browsing menus, placing orders, and tracking deliveries. As Grubhub continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing unparalleled convenience and satisfaction to food enthusiasts across the UK.
Wrapping Up
In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of online food delivery has become essential, particularly here in the UK. With our bustling lifestyles and a penchant for culinary delights, the popularity of food delivery apps is on the rise. However, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming amidst the plethora of options available.
Check out our guide to the top ten online food ordering portals in the UK. From industry giants like JustEat and Deliveroo to emerging platforms like ChefOnline and Slice, each offers a unique blend of convenience, diversity, and quality.
The UK’s online food delivery scene is evolving rapidly, with more people embracing the ease and accessibility of ordering meals online. Whether you’re craving a classic takeaway, a gourmet dining experience, or a quick pizza fix, there’s a platform ready to satisfy your hunger.
So, the next time you’re in need of a delicious meal delivered to your doorstep, look no further than these top food delivery apps. With just a few taps on your phone, you can embark on a culinary adventure without leaving the comfort of your home.
