The government has officially rolled out the UK’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which aims to get people eating out at restaurants and pubs to help boost the hospitality industry following the coronavirus outbreak. Throughout the month of August, people will be able to get discounted food at a number of popular eateries — though there are, of course, certain restrictions. The deal only applies on certain days and there’s a limit to how much of a discount you can get. Here’s everything you need to know about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
What Is the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme?
From 1 Aug to 31 Aug, Eat Out to Help Out offers customers 50 percent off their meal at participating restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The discount is available from Monday to Wednesday and includes children and groups of any size.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak set up the scheme to help struggling businesses in the hospitality sector by encouraging the British public to eat out again, whilst also reassuring people that it’s safe to do so following months of lockdown.
Do I Need a Voucher?
No, you don’t need a voucher. The discount will automatically be applied to restaurants and pubs that have signed up to the scheme. When it comes to restaurants and pub chains with multiple locations, make sure to check if your particular branch is signed up beforehand, as some popular chains are franchised businesses so not all branches are participating. You can use the Eat Out to Help Out discount at the same time as other discounts and vouchers.
What Is the Minimum Spend, and Is There a Maximum Number of Times I Can Use the Scheme?
The Eat Out to Help Out discount is capped at £10 per person and does not apply to alcohol. There is no minimum spend to get the discount and there is no limit to the number of times you can use it.
What Restaurant Chains Are Included?
More than 72,000 restaurants in the UK have signed up to the scheme, according to Sunak. The discount applies to any participating eatery where food and drink is consumed immediately on the premises, meaning takeaways are not included. Popular chains participating include Nando’s, Wagamama, Franco Manca, Honest Burgers, McDonald’s, Pret A Manger, Zizzi, Toby Carvery, and many more. Though, we encourage visiting local and independent restaurants, pubs, and cafes when possible. To find out which local eateries near you are taking part, you can enter your postcode here for a full list. Many cafes and restaurants will also have the official Eat Out scheme poster in their windows.