Punch Pubs expands virtual brand

Developed in partnership with Deliveroo, Bull & Bird was initially launched in November last year from three Punch pubs, and according to the group saw 'immediate success'; selling out in two of the three trial venues.

Believing there will be a permanent shift in consumer behaviour, Punch has since expanded the trial to a further 20 pubs including in Swindon to Macclesfield, and now plans to roll the brand out to more of its c.1,3000-strong estate in the coming weeks.

The Bull & Bird menu includes breaded fried chicken and loaded fries.

There's also a range of beef and chicken burgers such as the 'classic Bull', which features a six ounce beef patty, Applewood smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, pickled onions, and house burger sauce.

“We created Bull & Bird, not only in response to the trend in consumer behaviour but, more importantly, to allow our Publicans access to a new income stream and consumer offer," says Russell Danks, Punch marketing and strategy director.

“Our pubs excel at providing outstanding service inside their pubs, and now they have a chance to serve customers looking to stay in and enjoy a takeaway at home via a virtual brand, separate from the pub.

“We are looking forward to expanding the brand further in the coming weeks and have another virtual brand in development. Whilst I can’t say much about this yet, I can promise you that it’s going to epic”