Takeaway alcohol product sales have risen by more than a third (36%) during lockdown, due to an increase in consumption and a wider availability of products, new research shows.

The study, compiled by City Pantry and Just Eat, looks at how the nation’s takeaway habits have changed over lockdown, to reveal whether we’re eating healthier, drinking or eating more, and when in the week we’re most likely to indulge in a takeaway.

Northern Ireland saw the biggest sales increase with orders up 9.3%, followed by the East of England with 7.7% and the East Midlands at 6.4%. The West Midlands (3.5%) and the North West (3.8%) saw the lowest rise.

While this increase could be attributed to a rise in at-home consumption due to Brits being unable to visit the pub, it’s also likely due to more providers adding alcohol products to their takeaway menus than before the pandemic.

This has been instrumental in allowing dine-in restaurants to pivot their services to maintain revenue while restrictions were in place, with all regions partaking in remotely purchasing alcohol products.

Increase in alcohol consumption by region

As well as ordering more alcohol products, the data shows that some regions have grown progressively more adventurous with their meal choices.

Brunch orders have seen the biggest maximum rise overall with orders jumping by 182% in Northern Ireland, while Scotland has seen orders of Greek food – such as moussaka, baklava and gyros – rise by 167%.

Vegan and vegetarian orders are also on the rise, with plant-based takeaways rising by almost a third (29%). Not every part of the UK is onboard with the veggie options, however, as they’ve dipped by 10% in the Midlands and 7% in Scotland compared to before lockdown.