The Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme launches today, and chefs up and down the country have made an appeal for diners to get out and use the offer, in support of the hospitality industry.
At the forefront of the plea was Tom Kerridge, who signed up to The Government-backed initiative as soon as it was announced. With restaurants in London, Manchester and Marlow the Michelin chef hopes to pull in diners looking to try his high-end food at a snip of the usual price.
Speaking to The Sun, Kerridge said: “Make the most of the discount. Get out there, enjoy yourself and help the hospitality industry because we need your support more than ever.”
Voicing concerns on the future of the industry as a whole, Kerridge added, “Like everybody I have no idea what is going to happen. But anything that encourages people to get out and dine in a safe environment is exciting for the industry.
“Whether it is top-end fine dining or high street restaurants, this is a brilliant way to get the industry back on a firm footing.
Elsewhere other restaurant owners feel the same, with Mark Wogan – who runs Homeslice Pizza - commenting that: “The Eat Out to Help Out discount works really well for us.
“Our customers can have the same experience as they always do but with 50 per cent off.
“We can help people who are having to watch what they spend step outside and enjoy themselves.”
It is estimated that the scheme will cost £500million, but supporters are quick to note that the hospitality industry pays £39billion in taxes each year.
The scheme is proving so popular that some are keen to see it continued, with the owners of fusion Indian restaurant Jikoni in Mayfair saying they hope Rishi Sunak puts the offer in place permanently. Nadeem Lalani who runs the restaurant with his wife and founder Ravinder Bhogal, said: “If Eat Out to Help Out works we’d love to see Rishi Sunak continue it.” Adding, “Anything that gives people an incentive to go out and spend money in cafés and restaurants is great. There is only so much we can do ourselves.”
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