The Bell pub, in Hythe, launches drive-thru takeaway service
12:38, 11 June 2020
updated: 12:44, 11 June 2020
A seaside town in Kent is set to get its first ever drive-thru takeaway amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Owners of The Bell pub, in Seabrook Road, Hythe, are launching the service this weekend and will offer burgers, baguettes, fish and chips, chicken wings, children's meals and more.
Customers will call in advance and place their order, and then collect it as soon as five minutes later in their car.
Cones will be set up in the pub's car park directing the vehicles to a gazebo, where a member of staff will hand over the food.
The meals will be paid for over the phone or by contactless payment.
Rahul Pancholi, own runs the pub with chef and business partner Saurav Chakraborty, said: "We're feeling very excited, especially after reading the comments from people on Facebook.
"It will be an easy and convenient way of entry and exit with your order.
"But we're little bit nervous too, because coming up with an idea and executing it are different things.
"But we want to ensure it all goes as smooth as possible.
"We didn't realise until after we'd made the decision that it will be Hythe's only drive-thru."
The Bell closed in March when the country was put into lockdown.
About a month after its closure it started a delivery and pick up service on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Its Sunday menu has proved very popular, with the team selling up to 165 roast dinners in one day.
Speaking of the new operation, Mr Pancholi, 42, from Folkestone, added: "Our car park is very big and we will have a waiting area and someone to direct cars where to go.
"But if too many people come we will have to let people know the wait time will be a bit longer, or even turn customers away, as we are on a busy road and don't want traffic to build up."
The owners, who also run The Holy Pundit located within the Hythe Imperial Hotel, which is currently closed, will start the project with six members of staff but this could expand depending on its success.
The service will launch tomorrow (June 12) and be available Fridays and Saturdays 12pm until 8pm.
Orders have to be made in advance by calling 01303 267175.
Some fast food restaurants across the county have now opened their drive-thrus, including many McDonald's and KFC.
And some restaurants have also launched a similar service - including a partnership between The Cave Hotel and The Korean Cowgirl in Canterbury and also the The Aviator pub on the Isle of Sheppey.
Tradex Kitchens, in Folkestone, has also set up Britain's first drive-in showroom where customers can browse their wares from the safety of their own car.