In the midst of climbing living expenses, over a third of Brits have reduced their dining out, according to YouGov’s Dining Out report. Rising food, energy, wages, and tax costs are prompting restaurant owners to hike up their prices, with some notable chefs seeking government intervention. In response, many dining establishments are introducing incentives to attract customers. Here are practical tips to enjoy meals out without straining your budget.
Maximise Loyalty Schemes
Restaurants offer various loyalty programmes that reward frequent visits with points, freebies, discounts, and special treats for birthdays. For instance, Pizza Express Club users can move through bronze, silver, and gold levels, gaining perks like free dough balls and complimentary drinks. Nando’s leverages a chilli system, while Tastecard provides discounted meals across numerous eateries for an annual subscription fee.
Timing Is Everything
Dining outside peak hours often translates to savings. Restaurants prefer filling seats during quieter periods like early or late sittings, offering discounts as incentives. Apps such as First Table offer substantial food discounts at first or last seating times, available in 21 UK cities and beyond. EatClub also offers up to 50% off bills during off-peak times for users redeeming app deals. According to The Food People’s director Shokofeh Hejazi, dining earlier appeals due to a quieter atmosphere, less drinking, and an earlier return home. Breakfast outings offer a budget-friendly alternative, providing a complete experience with typically only one course.
Free Meals for Kids
During school holidays, several establishments provide children with free or £1 meals when dining with adults. This includes large chains like TGI Fridays, supermarket cafes such as Morrisons and Asda, and garden centres like Dobbies. While some promotions align with school breaks, others are available throughout the year.
Take Advantage of Soft Launches
New restaurants frequently hold “soft launches” offering discounted rates to draw customers in and generate buzz. These promotions can extend for weeks, presenting a wallet-friendly opportunity to experience upscale dining. Keeping informed through newsletters about new local openings can pay off. Hejazi notes that some venues are prolonging these soft openings to continue generating interest, with some keeping reduced prices on less busy days like Mondays.
Leverage Supermarket Loyalty Points
Loyalty points accrued from weekly supermarket shopping can contribute towards dining out. For instance, Tesco Clubcard points can be converted into vouchers worth triple their value for meals at partner restaurants, such as Prezzo.
Utilise Surplus Food Apps
Finally, surplus food apps like Too Good To Go and Olio offer consumers the chance to purchase excess food items for free or at reduced rates. While the exact items may be a surprise, significant savings can leave more funds for future dining ventures.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.