Sunak hails success of cut-price meal deal as scheme ends

Sunak hails success of cut-price meal deal as scheme ends

Diners who took advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out initiative have been thanked by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the scheme comes to a close on Monday.

The deal, dubbed “Rishi’s dishes”, gives a discount of 50% up to £10 per head for people who eat at participating restaurants on certain days of the week.

The Chancellor said that more than 64 million meals had been claimed for so far since the initiative was launched at the beginning of August in an attempt to boost the hospitality industry in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

“The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery.”

A number of chains and establishments have said they will continue the practice into September despite Government financial support being withdrawn.

Jemima Ferguson, marketing director at itsu, said: “The scheme has been hugely successful for us at itsu.

“It’s helped to drive over 50% more transactions during the Eat Out to Help Out period each week, without negatively impacting our trade during the rest of the week.

“We believe ripple effects from the positive impact of this scheme will be felt for many months to come.”

Staff at the Ivy Victoria in London prepare the dining area ahead of the final day of Eat Out To Help Out
Staff at the Ivy Victoria in London prepare the dining area ahead of the final day of Eat Out to Help Out (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

“We’ve been able to bring more people back into work as a result of the scheme, which they have really enjoyed, and for some of our friends operating independently in the sector this has been the opportunity to confidently re-open for the first time.

“Seeing the vitality coming back into their restaurants has been a joy to witness.”

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