More than 35m meals across country through Eat Out to Help Out scheme

More than 35 million discounted meals have been enjoyed through the Eat Out to Help Out in just two weeks.

Across the country, data released today shows more than 85,000 restaurants have now registered for the scheme, including chains such as Wahaca, Joe and the Juice and Pho.

Also included are small businesses like Bundobust, which has a restaurant in Manchester.

Over 48,000 claims have been made by restaurants so far and the government is now reminding outlets to submit their claims to receive the generous government payback.

Data from OpenTable showed restaurants have been on average 27pc fuller than they were during the same period (Monday to Wednesday) in August 2019.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Today’s figures show that Britain is eating out to help out – it 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.”

The scheme aims to protect the jobs of the hospitality industry’s 1.8 million employees nationally, encouraging people to safely return to local restaurants, cafes and pubs where social-distancing rules allow.

Around 80pc of companies working in hospitality 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 benefitted 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.”

No vouchers are needed to claim the discount, participating establishments deduct 50pc from the bill automatically.

Anyone visiting a participating restaurant, café or pub on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August will receive the half price discount up to £10 per person – in a move that’s aimed at giving a vital boost to the UK’s hospitality sector.

Marko Husak, co-founder of Bundobust said: “The response to Eat Out to Help Out 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. 

Businesses using the scheme are required to be COVID-secure and have installed, for example, protective screens, contactless payments, social distancing, one way walking systems, online bookings and reduced capacity.

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