Opinion: ‘Thanks for keeping us fed and cheery’

I’m incredibly proud of our community spirit during the pandemic. People from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths make Peterborough their home. We came together as one City to look after one another.

Among our local businesses, takeaways and restaurants really stepped up. Lots provided free food to health workers, to people who were shielding or self-isolating and to rough sleepers.

For paying customers, stuck at home, these venues have been preparing, cooking and delivering food to our doors. It’s one of the few treats available in lockdown.

I believe Peterborough has some of the best restaurants and food outlets in the country. That’s why I’ve been asking people to nominate their favourite takeaway venue.

It’s a fun way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything that these local businesses have done over the last year.

This next part shouldn’t need saying, but I know from social media that a handful of people love to deliberately misunderstand. Yes, a takeaway every night would not be wise. And yes, our country does have an obesity problem.

We should all try to live healthier lifestyles, which I support. But an occasional takeaway treat isn’t a problem. During lockdown, it is actually a rare thing to look forward to and, for some, literally the highlight of the week. Diets are all about balance.

Bizarrely, Peterborough’s Labour councillors have attacked me for “promoting fast food to the Muslim community”. One of their left wing councillors has threatened to report me by writing to people in positions of responsibility.

This reaction is both comic and tragic. After all, many of our takeaway outlets are owned and staffed by members of the Muslim community. My competition isn’t aimed at a particular group. And regardless of religion, surely anyone should be free to enjoy an occasional delivered meal?

Aside from Labour’s negativity, most of the feedback has been incredibly positive. Hundreds have nominated their favourite venue. I’m having fun visiting places that are nominated and buying food for my family, staff and others.

My friends at Papa Luigi told me that they started the UK’s first ever pizza delivery service in 1983. Conversely, the gang at Netherton Fisheries explained they had only just started home deliveries. Friday is their busiest night.

The team at Big Mouth have distributed hundreds of meals to rough sleepers. They are also behind the Ladz on Cowgate.

Fryz Fish and Chips in Bretton told me about the compliments from customers old and new. Lockdown has really helped with new customers.

Emma and Becky at Flavour in Paston have seen their All Day Breakfast delivery and takeout take off! They use gluten-free ingredients, free range eggs and butcher’s sausages.

I applaud them all. Let’s be positive about Peterborough and what we have to offer.

When we see the back of lockdown, we can get back into our restaurants and pubs.

Our City needs a thriving hospitality sector.

Takeaways have been important in keeping our venues going. They have also kept us fed and cheerful.

And they have supported some of the most vulnerable

To tell me about your favourite takeaway in Peterborough, please go to https://www.paulbristow.org.uk/form/favtakeaway