Over 35 million discounted meals have been served in the first two weeks of the launch of Eat Out to Help Out scheme by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The scheme was launched to protect the jobs in the hospitality sector – which has been hit hard by the lockdown induced by coronavirus. The data shows that over 85,000 restaurants have now registered for the scheme, including high-street chains such as Wahaca, Joe and the Juice and Pho as well as thousands of small businesses across the UK – including Bundobust (Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester) and Veggie Republic (Liverpool). Data showed that restaurants have been on average 27% fuller than they were during the same period (Monday to Wednesday) in August 2019.
The Chancellor said: “Today’s figures show that Britain is eating out to help out – with at least 35 million meals served up in the first two weeks alone, that is equivalent to over half of the UK taking part and supporting local jobs in the hospitality sector. To build back better we must protect as many jobs as possible, that is why I am urging all registered businesses to make the most of this by claiming back today – it’s free, simple and pays out within 5 working days.”
Around 80% of hospitality firms stopped trading in April, with 1.4 million workers furloughed, the highest of any sector. Stephen Wall, Managing Director and co-founder, Pho, said, "The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has really been amazing. It’s so nice to see our restaurants full of happy staff and customers again. It has certainly benefited our early week figures and seems to have encouraged the British public to dine out safely, as our restaurants are filling up and staying busy throughout the weekend, too.”
Many participating restaurants offer healthy and low-calorie options, and the scheme should be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. No vouchers are needed, with the participating establishment deducting 50% from the bill.
Marko Husak, Co-Founder, Bundobust said: "The response to the scheme has been phenomenal. Even though venues are operating at reduced capacity and with smaller teams following more thorough safety measures, we’re still managing to serve a similar number of customers on Mondays - Wednesdays that we were this time last year. That makes a huge difference to independents like us." The scheme applies to all food and non-alcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount per person of £10. It could save a family of four up to £40 per meal.
