Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Restaurants, bars and clubs sign up to gift card scheme
Businesses have come together to launch a new gift card scheme in the hope of boosting the city’s night-time economy.
Led by Canterbury BID, the Canterbury Night Out Gift Card has been introduced in an attempt to drive footfall to the area’s evening establishments. It comes after the successful introduction of the Canterbury Gift Card in November 2020 as firms attempted to get to grips with post-pandemic life, which has seen sales of almost £100,000.
The city’s BID chief executive, Lisa Carlson, said: “The Canterbury Night Out Gift Card is us highlighting all that we have here in Canterbury in the evening, wrapped up into one gift card.
“You can gift the experience of a night out in the city, whether that’s dinner and a show, shopping and a hotel stay, or explor
ing Canterbury’s bars and clubs.”
Valid for up to a year after purchase, gift cards ranging from £5 to £500 are on offer.
More than 40 businesses are taking part, including Club Chemistry, Cosy Club, The Marlowe Theatre and Nando’s. Head chef of The Cook’s Tale in Beer Cart Lane Dev Biswal has also pledged his firm’s commitment to the scheme. “We’ve already seen good redemptions through the Canterbury
Gift Card, so we are pleased to be a part of the Canterbury Night Out Gift Card. It is a good way to encourage people to support local,” said Mr Biswal. “Canterbury already has a thriving night out scene. It is charming and pretty. Cities at night can feel intimidating, but Canterbury feels safe and family-friendly.
“As a fine dining restaurant in the back streets of Canterbury, we rely on recommendations from neighbouring pubs, bars and hotels.
“The Night Out Gift Card encourages that collaboration further, and helps Canterbury to compete with other towns and cities for our share of night out guests.”
The idea comes as the city celebrates being awarded the Purple Flag status for night-time safety initiatives for the 11th time. For more information on the gift card, visit the Canterbury BID website at www.canterburybid.co.uk.