The Rise of On-Demand Food in Adur
Only a decade ago, ordering a takeaway in Adur meant phoning a local restaurant and hoping someone answered. Today, residents of Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick and Sompting can browse hundreds of menus, track a rider in real time and have groceries on the doorstep within an hour. The district's position between Brighton and Worthing means it benefits from the dense restaurant networks of both cities, while local takeaways along Shoreham High Street and Lancing's South Street have embraced digital ordering to reach new customers.
With so many apps competing for attention, it can be hard to know which one delivers the best experience. This guide breaks down the top ten food delivery apps available in Adur, covering restaurant takeaways, groceries, meal kits and surplus food.
How We Ranked the Apps
We looked at coverage across Adur postcodes, the variety of restaurants or products available, typical delivery times, fees and subscription value, app usability, customer support and sustainability initiatives. Each app serves a slightly different need, so the best choice depends on whether you want a Friday night curry, a weekly shop or a box of fresh ingredients to cook yourself.
The Top 10 Food Delivery Apps in Adur
1. Just Eat
Just Eat remains the most comprehensive takeaway platform in Adur, listing a large number of independent restaurants, pizzerias, Chinese, Indian and Turkish takeaways. Many smaller businesses use their own drivers through the platform, which often means lower fees and broad coverage even in quieter residential streets.
2. Deliveroo
Deliveroo is particularly strong for mid-range and premium restaurants, along with popular chains. Its Plus subscription offers free delivery on qualifying orders, and its grocery partnerships allow quick top-up shops from supermarkets and convenience stores.
3. Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers a slick interface, frequent promotions and an expanding selection of restaurants and convenience retailers. Its Uber One membership bundles delivery savings with ride discounts, which appeals to residents who already use Uber when travelling to Brighton or Worthing.
4. Domino's
Domino's has its own dedicated app with fast, predictable delivery times and frequent deals. For families wanting a reliable pizza night, its order tracker and loyalty rewards make it a perennial favourite.
5. Tesco Grocery
Tesco's online shopping service covers Adur comprehensively, with scheduled delivery slots and click and collect options. Clubcard prices, a huge product range and a delivery saver subscription make it a strong choice for weekly family shops.
6. Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's offers both scheduled grocery delivery and a rapid service for smaller baskets in many areas. Nectar prices and a well-designed app make it easy to plan meals and reorder favourites.
7. Ocado
Ocado is known for punctual deliveries, a wide selection that includes Marks and Spencer food, and excellent substitutions. Its precise one-hour slots suit busy households who need certainty.
8. HelloFresh
For people who enjoy cooking but want to skip meal planning, HelloFresh delivers pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes. It is especially popular with young professionals and couples in Shoreham's newer apartment developments.
9. Gousto
Gousto offers one of the largest weekly recipe menus in the UK, with flexible portion sizes and quick-cook options. Its recyclable packaging and reduced food waste message resonate with environmentally conscious customers.
10. Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go connects users with bakeries, cafés and supermarkets that have surplus food at the end of the day. Customers collect discounted surprise bags, saving money while helping reduce food waste across Adur.
Trends Driving Food Delivery in Adur
Several trends are shaping how people order food locally. Subscription models are becoming the norm, rewarding loyalty with free delivery and exclusive discounts. Rapid grocery delivery has blurred the line between takeaways and supermarkets, letting residents order essentials alongside a meal. Health-conscious choices are rising, with more restaurants listing calorie information, vegan dishes and high-protein options. Sustainability is also a growing priority, encouraging apps to introduce cutlery opt-outs, recyclable packaging and electric bike delivery fleets.
Independent restaurants in Adur are increasingly balancing app listings with direct ordering to manage commission costs. Supporting them by ordering directly or through lower-fee options can make a meaningful difference to local businesses.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
Compare prices across apps, as menu prices and fees can differ for the same restaurant. Take advantage of introductory offers and loyalty schemes, but review subscriptions regularly to ensure you are using them enough. Check hygiene ratings displayed on listings, order during off-peak times for faster delivery, and leave honest reviews to help other Adur residents make informed choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the most restaurants in Adur?
Just Eat generally lists the largest number of independent takeaways across Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing and Southwick, while Deliveroo and Uber Eats tend to have stronger coverage of chains and premium restaurants. Checking two apps side by side usually gives the fullest picture.
Is grocery delivery available in every part of Adur?
Major supermarket delivery services cover virtually all Adur postcodes, including Sompting and Fishersgate. Rapid delivery options under an hour are more limited and tend to focus on areas closest to participating stores, so availability can vary street by street.
How can I support local independent restaurants?
Ordering directly from a restaurant's own channel, collecting your food in person or choosing apps where the restaurant uses its own drivers often means more of your money stays with the business.
Final Thoughts
Adur enjoys a surprisingly rich food delivery landscape thanks to its location between two busy coastal cities and a loyal base of local takeaways. Whether you want a quick pizza, a full grocery shop, a cook-at-home meal kit or a bargain surplus bag, the apps above offer convenient and dependable options. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, and enjoy everything the local food scene has to offer from the comfort of home.
Want your brand featured in front of decision-makers? Publish a guest post or get a link insertion in our guides through AAMAX's guest post and link insertion service.
Helpful Links
Write for Us
Share your expertise with our readers. We welcome guest contributions from industry specialists.
Pitch your idea


