Chancellor’s scheme puts the buzz back into cafes and restaurants

RESTAURANTS and cafes across Northern Ireland have reported a healthy appetite for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, with numbers up by as much as 50% in some establishments.

Scores of local venues have signed up to Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s initiative, which offers a reduction for customers of 50%, up to £10 per person, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during August.

But while some owners are licking their lips as money hits the tills, others have voiced very real fears about the scheme’s potentially negative impact on weekend trade.

One of the biggest winners so far in terms of surging clientele was in Londonderry, where Ian Orr from Browns in Town admitted he “couldn’t be happier”.

“It has been really good for us so far; our numbers are up by between 30 and 40%,” said Mr Orr.

“It’s good news for us and good news for our suppliers.

“Things haven’t been easy for anyone this last while.

“It’s great to get a boost to our numbers early in the week and I’m hoping the weekend will look after itself as it always has.

“It’s a great incentive and a much-needed one for the industry. All I can say is top marks for the Chancellor.”

Kaffe O owner Orla Smyth, who has four outlets in total, said one of her Belfast premises was much busier than normal.

“We were up by around 20% in terms of customers in our Lisburn Road shop on Monday, although the one on the Ormeau Road was about the same,” she said.

“The scheme seems to be encouraging more people to venture out, which is good to see. We didn’t notice an uplift at Ormeau Road but I do think Eat Out to Help Out will be beneficial to full service restaurants.

“There’s no doubting how badly affected the sector has been as a result of the coronavirus lockdown so it’s good to see a proactive approach being taken at

Government level.” Abdul Rob, proprietor of the Bangla in Bangor, said the restaurant had a “fantastic night”.

“Our clientele doubled; it was excellent,” he said.

“We have a special early bird menu from 4.30pm until 7.30pm and then another sitting from 7.30pm until 9.30pm and we were very busy during both.

“I don’t think we’ve ever been so busy on a Monday night, even before Covid-19. We really couldn’t believe it.

“There were lots of families here and I’d really like to thank the Chancellor for coming up with the idea.”

Owner of The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine, Norma Wilkinson, said numbers were up as a result of the deal.

But she added that the jury was out as to the long-term benefits of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

“Monday was crazy — numbers were up by a fifth — but we are normally busy at this time of the year in any case,” she said.

“August is a dead month for restaurants in England, which perhaps explains why the Chancellor chose to do it now.

“I’m just concerned that the scheme will impact negatively on our weekend trade, with people choosing to come out at the start of the week instead.”

Ms Wilkinson added: “In Northern Ireland we generally need help encouraging people to come out in September and October when it’s generally quieter.”

James Mcginn, general manager of the Europa Hotel in Belfast, said the scheme got off to a great start.

“We’ve had a noticeable upturn in trade over the first two days and have had the pleasure of welcoming families, couples and groups of friends during the day and into the evening,” Mr Mcginn said.

“The response from diners has been fantastic and people certainly seem to have the intention of availing of the initiative throughout August.

❝ We’re delighted with the response so far, with some dates fully booked for both lunch and dinner

“We reopened our accommodation on Friday so it’s been great to have guests back staying with us and diners popping in for a bite to eat.”

The Rabbit Bar and Restaurant in Galgorm, just outside Ballymena, is a new kid on the eateries block and its management has embraced the initiative with open arms.

Managing director Colin Johnston said the recently launched establishment was thrilled to support the scheme, which “will provide a much-needed boost for hundreds of restaurants across Northern Ireland”.

“Since signing up we have seen a surge in bookings and enquiries for the month of August,” he said.

“We’re delighted with the response so far, with some dates fully booked for both lunch and dinner already.

“The scheme offers a great opportunity for everyone to experience The Rabbit Bar and Restaurant for the first time, grab a bite and try something new while supporting local businesses.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Frank Mccoubrey said he hoped Eat Out to Help Out would provide a shot in the arm for the restaurant industry.

“It’s a great way to support our city centre hospitality businesses as they get back on their feet,” he said.

“It provides a great opportunity for people to return to the city, and enjoy dining out safely while getting up to £10 off their food bill.”