Whether you enjoy cooking or not, you've probably spent a lot of time in the kitchen over the past few months. However, the UK's lockdown is easing, meaning restaurants, pubs and cafes are reopening, and the government has set up the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to lure customers back to their old stomping grounds. But how do you find restaurants participating in the Dine Out event?
British diners can enjoy 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks when dining at restaurants participating in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 August. The venue will then be able to claim your discount back from the government.
Finding out which restaurants are participating couldn't be easier: simply enter your zip code (or the zip code of where you want to eat out) into the website to see which restaurants are eligible for the 50% discount. You don't need a coupon and can apply for the discount multiple times.
Some well-known chains including Nando's, Pizza Express, Zizzi, Bill's and McDonald's have signed up to take part in the Eat Out to Help Scheme. However, independent cafes and restaurants in your area may also be part of the scheme, so you should see which ones you can support at this time.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak told the BBC: "The overarching aim of our Eat Out to Help Out scheme is to help protect the 1.8 million chefs, waiters and restaurateurs by stimulating demand and attracting customers through their doors. jobs. The industry is a vital part of our economy and has been hit hard by the coronavirus, so enjoy the summer safely by showing your support to your favorite places - we'll pay for it."
The plan has been criticized for masking a larger problem. The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest-hit industries since the outbreak began, with an estimated 1.4 million hotel employees furloughed and thousands of establishments facing permanent closure. Restaurant owners are calling for changes to rent and business rates to address the issue in the long term. There has also been criticism over how the new plans may affect weekend trading.
If you plan on eating out at restaurants this month, remember that you don't have to wear a mask or face covering, but it's important to stay two meters away from anyone outside your household.
