Pubcos replicate ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme

Two weeks before the August ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme goes live, Stonegate and Oakman Inns have announced that they will be running almost exact replicas of the chancellor’s model.

Across its various brands, Stonegate will offer customers 50% off their bill from Monday to Wednesday.

Unlike the government’s campaign, there will be no £10 cap on the reduction, which will be automatically applied to a customer’s bill on food, tea and coffee.

“We’re determined to welcome our customers back and I am excited to launch this campaign two-weeks ahead of the government’s initiative,” said Helen Charlesworth, Stonegate managing director.

“We are committed to providing the best possible customer experience and this is just the start of many initiatives and campaigns that will be rolled out across Stonegate in the coming weeks and months to benefit our customers.”

Taking a slightly different approach, Oakman Inns is offering its customers a £10 downloadable voucher to be used against all food dishes and soft drinks at any of its sites.

Intended as a way to pass on the 15% VAT reduction to consumers, the offer will be available Monday to Wednesday until the end of July.

“Our customers and staff have all been in this horrible mire for over four months now and frankly we thought we all needed a bit of cheering up ahead of August,” said CEO Dermot King.

“So, with prospects of good weather and some lovely pub gardens to visit, this is our way of thanking our friends and loyal regulars for supporting us since we re-opened.

“It’s our tenner they’ll be spending - not the taxpayers’ - so here’s their chance to have a guilt-free meal from Monday to Wednesday until the end of July - day or night – at our expense.”