The Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme has proved extremely popular with the British public, with many restaurants reporting a huge increase in customers during the month of August.
Intended as a post-lockdown boost for the hard-hit hospitality sector, the scheme encouraged people to spend money at restaurants, cafés and pubs by offering half price meals (up to a maximum discount of £10 per diner) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which establishments could then claim back from the Government.
84,000 restaurants signed up to the original ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, with figures from the first three weeks suggesting that more than 64 million meals were enjoyed by diners across the country. In fact, such was its success that many restaurants have decided to continue the scheme in one form or another during the month of September, but this time out of their own pockets.
Having taken part in ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ in August, the following Michelin-Starred restaurants are continuing to offer discounts in September. Unlike the original scheme, these discounts will not be automatically applied, however, and you will need to mention any offers when booking. We also recommend checking the T&Cs with the restaurants themselves.
Eipic, Belfast
The flagship of Michael Deane’s mini-empire, this intimate, modern restaurant offers top quality local ingredients combined in original combinations to create impressive, boldly flavoured dishes. They are offering 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks every Wednesday in September, up to £10 per person.
Kai, Mayfair
This luxury Chinese restaurant delivers a mix of classic and more original dishes, with a focus on the Nanyang region. They are offering £10 off per person on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during September for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as a ‘Drink Up to Help Out’ offer, which gives £20 off every full bottle of wine or champagne.
Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields
Enjoy classic French cooking with a light, modern touch in this magnificent open space.
They are offering 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to £10 per diner (with a max. table size of 6), Monday to Wednesday during September. (Quote ‘Eat Out’ when booking over the phone or via email, and in the comments box if booking online.)
Gymkhana, Mayfair
Inspired by the positivity ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ brought to the industry, this popular Indian restaurant has launched ‘Stay Eating Out With Us’, which offers 20% off your bill (food only) Tuesday & Wednesday, 5.30pm-6pm, and Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm-2.30pm. Book quoting ‘Stay Eating Out’ to be eligible. Maximum group size of 6.
Kitchen W8, Kensington
A neighbourhood spot serving confident cooking, which delivers great flavours and subtle degrees of originality. They are offering £10 per person off your bill when you spend £40 or more per person on Thursday, Friday and Saturday lunches. To qualify, you must book in advance and quote ‘KW8 EXTRA’.
Murano, Mayfair
Angela Hartnett’s flagship offers a wonderfully appealing Italian menu of assured, accomplished dishes with a delicious vitality and freshness. Guests dining here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September will automatically receive £10 each off their bill, enabling them to enjoy the set summer lunch menu for just £25 for three courses.
Portland, Regent’s Park and Marylebone
Portland’s kitchen trusts the quality of the ingredients and lets the natural flavours shine. Service is knowledgeable and wine is given equal billing to the food. Enjoy the Tasting Menu and half a bottle of wine for £79 throughout September (available every lunchtime and subject to availability at dinner).
Quilon, Victoria
Sriram Aylur and his team focus on the cuisine of the southwest coast of India, a highlight of which is its sublime seafood. Ingredients are first-rate and cooking, confident and assured; dishes offer a terrific balance of flavours, with superb sauces and well-judged spicing. Enjoy 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks when you dine Monday-Wednesday.
Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury
This charming thatched pub, set on the edge of Salisbury Plain, serves carefully prepared, flavour-packed classics. After the success of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, owners Guy and Britt decided to offer a discount during September too: get £5 per person off your food bill every Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Simpsons, Birmingham
A leading player in the Birmingham dining scene is this design-led, Scandic restaurant in an elegant Georgian mansion. Assured, confident cooking delivers pure, well-defined flavours, often in tried-and tested combinations. Book a table on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and enjoy up to £10 off your meal per person.
Social Eating House, Soho
The coolest joint in Jason Atherton’s stable comes with moody lighting, fun staff and a laid-back vibe, while the modern international dishes have punchy, well-judged flavours. Get £10 off their set menu throughout September, with 2 courses for £19 and 3 courses for £25 (Tuesday to Saturday lunch and Tuesday to Friday dinner 6-6.30pm).
Veeraswamy, Mayfair
London’s oldest surviving Indian restaurant is run with enormous charm by an enthusiastic team. The wonderfully authentic and satisfying dishes come from all parts of the country; those inspired by royal recipes are worth exploring. £10 off dinners, Monday to Thursday in September when you spend £50 per head or more.
Trishna, Regent’s Park and Marylebone
An enthusiastically run Indian restaurant, with a great atmosphere and an interesting menu full of vibrant, exciting dishes. They are offering 20% off all food throughout September: Tuesday and Wednesday, 5.30pm-10.30pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12.00pm-2.30 pm. Book quoting ‘Stay Eating Out’ to redeem. Maximum group size of 6.
The Woodspeen, Newbury
Mouth-watering seasonal menus bring together ingredients from the local area and the garden of this neighbourhood eatery. Flavour is paramount and dishes have a comforting, modern style. ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ continues on Sunday evenings throughout September: get £10 per person off your bill when you spend £20 or more on food (from 6pm on Sundays).
The Cross at Kenilworth, Warks
A serious dining pub whose confident kitchen team showcases prime British ingredients in skilfully executed dishes which not only look impressive, but taste great too. Book a table on any Wednesday, Thursday or Friday in September and enjoy £10 per person off the à la carte or tasting menu.
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