Giggling Squid halts takeaway service

Giggling Squid has announced the temporary closure of its takeaway and Deliveroo services in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The Thai food chain had originally continued operating a takeaway service from all of its sites across the UK, but has made the decision to close all its sites entirely while the coronavirus situation continues to develop.

News of the closure comes only one week after the group announced the opening of its first ever delivery-only kitchen, operating out of Food Stars’ new facility in Wandsworth, with Deliveroo as delivery partner.

The kitchen, which launched on 17 March, followed the group’s “considerable growth” in its takeaway business over the past 18 months since its exclusive partnership with Deliveroo. 

Giggling Squid currently operates 34 sites across the country, having first opened in Brighton in 2002. It is led by husband and wife team, Pranee and Andy Laurillard.

It is best known for its menu of Thai tapas and sharing dishes, and the group plans to open two more restaurants by the end of the year.

In a statement, the group said: “In light of the current situation, we have decided it is time to temporarily close down all of our services including our takeaway and Deliveroo options. 

“We’re sending a virtual hug and heartfelt gratitude to our Giggling Squid teams who have worked so tirelessly and to our customers -your support is what we take with us as we sit tight.”