BARBI's brand-new, Bristol-focused delivery app launches today

BARBI's brand-new, Bristol-focused delivery app launches today

Posted on: 12 Feb 2021

Keep your money in your community and support Bristol independents with the BARBI App.

 

Bristol-based hospitality network BARBI have today (Friday 12 February) launched their all-new food and drink delivery app, set to rival the likes of Deliveroo and Uber Eats with the aim of offering increased support for the local economy.

 

Since the pandemic hit, restaurants and hospitality businesses have become increasingly reliant on delivery services, many of which charge huge commission fees on the orders that go through their platforms.

 

Built by Bristol, for Bristol, the BARBI app will offer drastically reduced commissions compared to the current market leaders, as well as increasing the low wages offered to delivery drivers and riders.

 

With more than 40 venues involved at launch - including Thali Easton, The Volunteer Tavern and The Crafty Cow - the BARBI app is now available to download via the iOS App Store and Google Play.

 

 

Offering commission rates of just 15% per order - down from as much as 35% from leading delivery apps - BARBI are looking to safeguard the future of Bristol's hospitality industry, ensuring they keep a much larger share of their income.

 

The BARBI team hope that their new app will loosen the grip that major corporations like Uber and Deliveroo currently have on the industry, with a view to expand to table booking, event ticket sales, discounts and local news features in the future.

 

As well as reducing fees for businesses, the app is also offering improved wages and rates for delivery riders and drivers at launch. 

The BARBI Team (left to right) - Andy Dodd, Brendan Murphy and Adam Brittain. Photo: Jess ConnettThe BARBI Team (left to right) - Andy Dodd, Brendan Murphy and Adam Brittain. Photo: Jess Connett

 

Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, support for independent businesses and the local economy is more important than ever. In an industry made up of more than 30,000 people and over 1,800 establishments in Bristol alone, support from within the community is vital.

 

The British Association of Restaurants, Bars and Independents (BARBI) was set up in 2016 by 365Bristol owner Brendan Murphy and Flipside owner Andy Dodd, with a view to establishing an effective support network for Bristol's hospitality sector.

 

The group has grown steadily since its inception, and has played a significant role in the industry throughout the pandemic, sharing information regarding support funding, connecting local businesses and service providers with each other, and lobbying for change within the local council.

 

There are currently over 400 local venues and businesses signed up to BARBI, with 10,000 people in their core network. The team hope to expand to new cities in the future, having been approached by a number of hospitality communities nationwide.

 

Speaking ahead of the app's launch, BARBI co-founder Brendan Murphy said: "If there's one thing the industry needs it is alternatives to the national and international delivery apps and other companies taking advantage of independent businesses.

 

"The money you spend through the BARBI App will also stay within the local Bristol economy. So buy local, buy independent!"

 

The BARBI App is available to download now, just in time for this weekend's takeaway. Find it on the iOS App Store or Google Play or find out more on the BARBI website.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.