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 restaurants, pubs and cafes are taking part in the scheme, and Melksham 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.

John Adams at the Somerset Arms in Semington said, “It’s a great initiative and hopefully it will encourage more people to come out – giving them confidence to come out without spending too much money.

“The scheme is win/win – it helps me, and it helps the community get out of their homes and spend time outside.

“We’re not getting the same trade that we were pre-lockdown – the older generation are still a little wary about coming out, so hopefully this will encourage them also.

“I am currently preparing a new menu for the pub – so customers have lots to look forward to.”

Pascal Rivault at Bell on the Common in Broughton Gifford said, “This scheme is generating interest from the public and hopefully it will help towards getting the industry back on its feet – we need all the help that we can get – it all adds to our recovery. Here at Bell on the Common we are back with a full menu and our popular ‘plat du jours’, which are always very successful. We are not slowing down – we want to be back to normal as much as we can be, within the current guidelines.”

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 where you can tap in your postcode and find a list of all local restaurants taking part.