Making Eat Out to Help Out a recipe for success
Now is the time for everyone who has the means to do so to support the UK’s fantastic range of cafes and restaurants.
It’s the best time to eat out as the government encourages diners by offering halfprice discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at all venues registered with their scheme.
Restaurants can register now to use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme to offer the discount to diners all day every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the period from August 3 to 31.
The 50 per cent discount applies up to a maximum £10 per person, and restaurant owners can claim the money back from the government. So a family of four enjoying a meal together can pay £40 for the pleasure, instead of £80.
It’s good news, as there is no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme.
Venues are going to extraordinary lengths to help customers feel safe and comfortable during visits.
Many families had to forego birthday and other celebrations during the lockdown period, so take advantage of this offer to get back out and celebrate that occasion - or simply savour being out of the house, sampling wonderful food and being waited on.
Registration for the scheme will close on August 31.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said he hopes this, as one of a range of measures, will provide a welcome boost to the hospitality industry, acknowledged to be one of the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 100,000 businesses within this sector, employing some 1.8 million people, will be able to sign up to the August scheme, including pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
It is set to cost the country up to £500m, but aims to help eating establishments get back on their feet, while diners start to rebuild their confidence in going out, and reap the benefits of fine food and relaxation in safe, social settings.
If the scheme proves to be highly successful, there is even the possibility of it being extended further.
Restaurants across the UK, from city streets to rural villages, are taking up the chance to give their business the kickstart it needs, and hope members of the public will embrace the opportunity just as warmly.
Simon Hawkins, co-owner of Fettle, a restaurant in Leeds that offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus, plans to re-open at the end of July, and will take advantage of the scheme he feels is “hell of a deal”.
He said: “I’m hoping this will encourage people who have been stuck indoors during lockdown, and all those who are working at home all day still, to get out more on weekdays rather than waiting for the weekend.
“This should be a great help to our industry, and great for those who can use it to come out and eat and socialise.
“It must be acknowledged that there are many, however, who are struggling to put food on the table at all and it would be nice if the Government could also do more to help those people.”
Fettle previously had strong support in custom from office workers at lunchtime, and since closing for lockdown has operated a delivery service to reach customers.
The restaurant will reopen at the end of July, “to be ready for the August period”, but may operate on a table deposit scheme to deter noshows, when bookings will be at a premium.
“We are all far from out of the woods as yet,” added Mr Hawkins. “The Eat out to Help Out Scheme really is most welcome.”