The rise of the takeaway

The first Fish and Chip shop opened in the UK in 1860, and – from meagre beginnings – the takeaway has grown to become a staple of every English town. And it’s not just fish and chips anymore. From Indian, to Iranian to Indonesian: there is a take away restaurant to suit every appetite and budget.

Surveys suggest that the average British person has around 2,500 takeaways over the course of their lifetime, and that number is on the up. So, why has takeaway food become a staple of our diets?

• Busier lifestyles. Generally working longer hours, grabbing a take-away and a bottle of wine on the way home is often roundabout all we’re capable off. And if you’ve put in 4 hours of overtime then why not reward yourself with a decadent meal?
• Quality. Although there have always been hidden gems, it is only the last 20 years or so that have seen the generic pizza/fish-and-chips/kebab/Indian “one size fits all” take away usurped by takeaways promising restaurant quality food. Although sometimes chicken in a box may hit the spot, if you want a top quality takeaway food then you’re bound to have at least a couple of options.
• Tough times. Many of us have got less disposable income (or have decided that it might be a good idea to start saving a bit!). Although rarely a cheap option (with the exception of chicken in a box), take away is generally cheaper than eating out. And there’s no £14 bottle of wine or babysitter.
• Delivery. You might have planned to cook a delicious and healthy dinner, but – well – Eastenders has started now. Sometimes getting your takeaway delivered is just too easy. And it is getting easier all the time, you don’t even need to spend half an hour looking through the drawer for the right menu now, we have thousands of restaurants listed that allow you to see the menu and order takeaway online.
• Experimental. With broader culinary horizons than previous generations, we’re much more likely to order something a little out of the ordinary, something that we probably wouldn’t have the right ingredients to cook ourselves (I’m all out of squid ink).
• Social. If you’ve got friends over, then – as much as they will appreciate your four course extravaganza – they might have preferred the chance to catch up with you. Aside from standard take aways, there are now numerous take aways offering ‘home cooked’ food for you to take home, reheat and serve up to your guests. You just decide whether to take the credit or not!

Having a good range of takeaways can only be a good thing – competition drives up standards and choice and means that you’re sure to get a top-class meal – plus there’s no waiting for a table, or having to watch your manners (and you can still watch Eastenders!). So, have a look through the take away options in our restaurant and takeaway guide, and pick up the phone or get clicking…

You may also like:

• How to order a healthy takeaway
• What is the UK’s favourite takeaway?
• England fans’ minds turn to takeaway
• What do the Brits love on their chips?