Pubs and restaurants continue eat out scheme
A number of pubs and restaurants in Perth and Kinross are continuing the Eat Out to Help Out scheme through September.
The UK Government’s scheme, which ran through August, proved hugely popular with 86,000 businesses signing up.
It was also popular with the public, with many restaurants and bars reporting more than double the number of booked tables relating to the scheme, which offered 50 per cent off a meal up to £10, Monday to Wednesday.
With the hospitality industry especially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, many outlets are eager to keep business high and have taken it upon themselves to continue the offer.
Among those in Perth and Kinross taking that step is The Sandeman in Perth.
Diners will get 50 per cent off food, soft drinks, tea and coffee Monday to Wednesday, but unlike the government scheme this will not be capped at £10.
Sarah Miller, operations director of Stonegate Pub Company which owns The Sandeman, said: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been so successful, it has been a great incentive for our customers to come back. Monday to Wednesday are definitely the new Friday night at the moment.
“Re-opening our sites in July came with many challenges but also an abundance of opportunities.
“We have worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our teams and customers.
“We’re determined to keep this momentum in our operations, which is reflected in our trading.”
Another city centre pub that has created its own scheme is the Wetherspoons-owned Capital Asset.
The scheme will see prices on a range of meals and drinks reduced from Monday to Wednesday until November 11.
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “The government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme was extremely popular with our customers and a great boost to the hospitality industry.
“We are keen to offer our customers a superb choice of food and drink at great value for money prices.
“Our offer means that a classic beef burger in our pubs will be even better value than McDonald’s.”
In Pitlochry, award-winning East Haugh House Hotel and Restaurant is offering 20 per cent off food during September, Monday to Friday.
With no maximum limit, this offer allows diners to potentially save more than the government scheme permitted.
Chef patron of East Haugh House Neil McGown said: “We were busier than ever during August due to the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme which we’ve been so grateful for.
“We’d like to keep up the momentum, fill our staff rotas and continue to help people save whilst dining out so will be offering a 20 per cent discount on dinner bookings throughout September.”