Britain’s Oldest Takeaway Driver is 82 Years Old, Doesn’t Need SATNAV

He’s recently been awarded Britain’s Best Takeaway Driver prize at the British Takeaway Awards (yes, both these things exist), and he’s been getting extra publicity for it. You can meet him (virtually so) in the video at the bottom of the page, while the Yorkshire Evening Post offers some background information on him.

A RAF veteran and former taxi driver, Brian says he doesn’t need SATNAV to find his way to whatever his destination might be. He usually covers the West Yorkshire area, but he’s known to go well out of his way for one of his regular clients, be they of Indian food or subscription magazines.

He’s been driving to deliver takeaway from 2014, when he happened to be at a restaurant and he overheard the owner complain about a shortage of men. He offered his services and he’s been working steadily 18 hours per week since then. He hasn’t missed a shift yet and he boasts of being in excellent health.

“I believe I am probably the oldest person delivering Indian takeaways in the British Isles,” he says in an interview cited by the publication. “People have asked how I do it but according to the medics I am 100% fit... I think the secret is not drinking or smoking.”

“I was a taxi driver for 40 years so I know my way around and when I was offered the work here I thought it might be a bit of fun. I enjoy going out and meeting people,” Brian adds.

He drives a Vauxhall Vectra and both his employers and their clients love and respect him for his punctuality, good humor and reliability - and his smart sense of style. These are the same qualities that have earned him the award, which he holds very dear.

As you can imagine, Brian is also somewhat of a local celebrity. His boss says he wouldn’t trade him for any younger driver out there, but it’s safe to assume that’s also because the exposure he gets brings extra business.