Eat out to help out! Enjoy a discounted meal and support a local business

DINERS can eat out this month and enjoy a discounted meal, whilst supporting a local business, as part of the national ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme.

The government’s scheme, which began this week, allows diners who are eating in to get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner) every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until the end of the month, 31st August.

All diners of any age in a group of any size can use the discount.

No voucher is needed, and diners can use the offer as many times as they like throughout the month – simply turn up to a participating establishment and they will take care of the rest.

Businesses will then claim a reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given you.

A number of local cafes, restaurants and bars are taking part in the scheme, and White Horse News caught up with some of them to find out what they thought about the scheme, and what diners can expect if they pay them a visit.

Bob Musker from the Horse and Groom said, “This scheme is a great support from the government for a distressed industry. I hope that people come out and visit any of the local establishments taking part. 

“It’s important to support the local businesses taking part rather than the larger chains like McDonald’s –  we have lost revenue for 15 weeks – by supporting us you are also supporting local jobs – we employ 18 people, all locals.

“And I hope it encourages people who haven’t left their homes yet to come out – it’s important to get out for our mental health and be part of the community.

“We are offering a full menu, and this scheme offers great value. For example, you’ll be able to get a 10oz rib-eye steak for £9.50, which is the top end of the menu; and a steak and ale pie for £6.”

Lyn Hobbs from the Rising Sun, North Bradley, said, “Hopefully it will encourage people to come and visit us and enjoy themselves. And it should help remind people that we are open – we have seen most of our regulars return, but there are still some people we are yet to see. So fingers crossed, this will get them out for a cheap meal.

“Traditionally we are not a food-led pub, we are more of a drinkers pub. So this scheme is an opportunity to attract some new faces to the pub. We were only open for four months before the lockdown arrived, so some new faces would be good.

“We will be offering our full menu – traditional home-made pub food, made from scratch by myself. We have vegetarian and gluten free options. And we cater for all ages and appetites.”

Kunyanut Worapaphakul from Thai Orchard said, “We think it is a great scheme. It has been a difficult time for us and other restaurants – so the scheme has been good to us. We are normally quiet on days like Mondays – but we were fully booked for the first day of the scheme! Customers can expect a full menu when they visit us – but we recommend booking.”

The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme can also be used at the same time as other offers and discounts. And there is no minimum spend.

You cannot claim discount on alcoholic drinks or service charges.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme