The food delivery giant Deliveroo has been ordered to shut some of its outlets over allegations that it is unlawfully cooking thousands of takeaway meals in satellite units dubbed “dark kitchens”.
The company has 100 remote kitchens in 16 locations across the country. These “hubs”, branded Deliveroo Editions, are cheaper to operate and form a key part of the firm’s expansion plans.
Deliveroo insists the kitchen units do not require the same planning permission as takeaway restaurants — but residents complain the neighbourhood is blighted by “dangerous” delivery drivers, on scooters day and night, who cause chaos.
But Deliveroo is now facing planning inquiries at three sites — two in London and one in Brighton — after enforcement notices to say they are operating unlawfully