Operators self-fund Eat Out extension

Several operators are extending the Eat Out to Help Out discount into September, funding the cost themselves.

Some 84,000 restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars have signed up to the government’s scheme, but because of its huge success in encouraging consumers to return to the sector – the scheme was used more than 64 million times in the first three weeks – chains including Prezzo, Harvester and Pizza Pilgrims have said they will offer the discount next month too.

London-based commercial landlord Grosvenor has said it will reduce rents for direct tenants which continue to offer diners half-price meals until the end of September, prompting high-end restaurants including Comptoir Roka, the Thomas Cubitt pub and Peggy Porschen café to sign up.

Other businesses to opt for the extension include Comptoir group, Toby Carvery, Oakman Inns, Bills, Boxpark, Shack-Fuyu and Hall and Woodhouse.