Former Deliveroo MD launches food delivery scheme for hotels and pubs

The former managing director of Deliveroo has launched a platform to help small food brands provide a delivery offer for London gastropubs and hotels.

Dan Warne has secured investment from tech venture capital fund Kuvi Capital and Oasthouse Ventures to develop the Sessions Accelerator programme.

It is working with restaurant brands including Halo Burger, Lost Boy's Chicken, Fanny's Kebabs (pictured) and Pleesecake, while pub and bar operator ETM Group is also on board.

The scheme is designed to give small operators a chance to 'rapidly scale' while providing a new revenue stream for established hotels and bars.

Warne said: "The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the hospitality sector, but I've no doubt the industry will be able to combat the challenges of the last few months and come back stronger than ever.

"One of the biggest characteristics of this year has been the rise of food delivery, and this has shifted the playing field for smaller, independent brands."

Sessions launched its first physical food hall, named Shelter Hall, on Brighton seafront in July with the backing of Imbiba. It has partnered with several local restaurant operators and acts as an ‘incubator' for growing brands.

It will relaunch next March with multiple early-stage operators and a development kitchen for founders with new concepts.

Warne is already seeking chefs to join the programme, which will open a London hub in early 2021.

"Even as restrictions on physical restaurants ease, food delivery is going to continue to lead the way in the industry's recovery," said Warne.

"We're looking to provide the best platform for these brands to grow. Fortunately, we have an amazing food hall incubator to help us source great founders and concepts."

Any interested operators should contact dan@sessionsmarket.co.uk