I discover latest city restaurant to embrace robots and love novelty and efficient service in Derby

A Derby restaurant is one of the city latest eateries to embrace automation and ‘employ’ a robot waiter.

No matter how novel the idea may seem, robots in restaurants are not a new concept.

Shalimar Gold Indian Restaurant on Midland Road was the first restaurant in Derby to use a robot waiter in 2022.

Several cities including Birmingham have also embraced robot technology for some time, although it is the first time for Greek restaurant Souvlaki in Derby.

Having moved from Victoria Street to Market Place, perhaps a new setting emboldened owners at Souvlaki to try something new.

Since making the move across town, Souvlaki has been using a robot server for around two months.

A spokesperson for the restaurant said: “We decided to try new technology, it cost around £10,000.

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“People’s reactions to the robot have been amazing, they are always shocked.

“The robot also sings ‘Happy Birthday,’ people seem to like that.”

I tried Souvlaki’s robot waiter service by placing an order at the counter (with a human), taking a seat and within around 7 minutes, a robot trundled over to my table holding a tray laden with my order.

What I loved about it, was that although it is not a brand-new, never-seen-before concept, it was new to me.

Novelty factor aside, I think robot servers have definite advantages. If you’re not particularly in the mood to talk to people, you can just get served and be on your merry way.

On the flip side, if you’re a chatty person and like human interaction, then a robot server may not be for you.

I found the service at Souvlaki to be quick and efficient.

What we ate at Souvlaki Restaurant Derby

• Chicken Gyros Wrap £9
• Bottle water £1.50

Total £10.50

I did find myself saying ‘thank you’ to the robot, because it felt on some level, I was being served by a human.

I am all for workflow automation, if something can be done quicker and more efficiently then I think that has to be a concept to be potentially embraced, however critics of robot technology may feel otherwise.

Have you been to Souvlaki, other restaurants, or perhaps know of another sector that uses robot technology? Do let us know your thoughts by emailing [email protected]

Location: Souvlaki Restaurant, 35-37 Market Place, Derby DE1 3AE

For more information about Souvlaki click here.