Andy's 1p meal deliveries a massive hit

Andy Macdonald launched a 1p menu at the Ships and Giggles pub in Fylde Road when Tier 3 restrictions meant he had to serve "substantial meals" to stay open and Preston City Council said it wasn't possible for him to give it away.

But now he says it has "turned into something greater" under the current second lockdown, when all pubs, bars and restaurants are closed.

Ships and Giggles has teamed up with Order-In Preston and local firm Millers Taxis to deliver more than 4,000 1p chicken wings and chips platters to more than 1,000 homes.

Dellveries totalling around 1,600 on Friday were followed by some 1,800 on Saturday and the tally was expected to easily top 1,000 on Sunday.

He has expressed this thanks to the public, Millers Taxis and Order-In for their support but says he is especially grateful to the Ships and Giggles staff members who rallied round the volunteer to help out with the food preparation and delivery.

The introduction of food at the pub for the first time in the eight years since Andy took over the business allowed him to almost double staff numbers from 11 to 21 - and he sees great potential in extending the menu in the future.

He said the 1p food platters will help support "everyone that’s been affected during these dark times" - and wants to further extend the gesture by offering anyone who missed out on getting their order over the first weekend because of teething problems with the system a midweek delivery if they make contact via the Ships and Giggles Facebook site.

"The first lockdown left me pretty down and anxious so I know how this can affect people," he said.

"I hope people enjoy the food but with hindsight there are things we could have done better and hopefully it will run even more smoothly in future weeks.

"But the great things is this has put Ships and Giggles on the map and from something that began as a way of making a point to the council in Tier three, it has already turbned into something much greater."

Customers can order the platters on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will not be charged for service or have to pay a delivery fee.

Andy said: "There are no catches! You simply order your food on the app ‘Order in’.. you pay 1p per platter, and it will be delivered to your house between 7 and 9pm on the day you choose Friday, Saturday or Sunday - no service charge and no delivery fee.

"The feeling of doing something good during these mad times fills me with immense satisfaction."