Rising costs for energy, ingredients, wages, and taxes have forced many restaurants to increase their prices, leading more than a third of UK diners to reduce their frequency of eating out, according to YouGov’s latest Dining Out report. However, savvy planning and the use of specific incentives can help manage these expenses.
Loyalty programs remain a primary method for securing perks. Chains like Pizza Express offer tiered systems where regular customers can unlock rewards ranging from free dough balls to complimentary drinks. Similarly, Nando’s utilizes a chilli-based rewards program, while services like Tastecard provide access to discounts at numerous venues for an annual membership fee.
Timing your visit can also lead to significant savings. Many restaurants aim to fill seats during off-peak hours, rewarding customers who choose earlier or later sittings. Apps such as First Table, which operates in 21 UK cities as well as in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, offer 50% off food for those booking the first or last slot of the day, usually in exchange for a small booking fee. EatClub offers similar discounts for walk-ins, with the most substantial savings available during quieter periods.
Shokofeh Hejazi, director of foresight and innovation at The Food People, notes that early dining is often quieter and more relaxed, allowing for a calmer atmosphere. She also suggests that meeting for breakfast is a cost-effective alternative, as it typically involves a single course while still providing the same social benefits.
Families can take advantage of seasonal promotions, particularly during school holidays, when many establishments offer free or £1 meals for children accompanied by paying adults. This initiative is supported by various chains, including TGI Fridays, supermarket cafes like Morrisons and Asda, and garden centers such as Dobbies.
For those looking to try higher-end dining, keeping an eye out for “soft launches” can be beneficial. New restaurants often offer discounted pricing for several weeks after opening to build momentum and attract customers. Signing up for local newsletters can help track these opportunities. Hejazi emphasizes that even fine-dining establishments have accessible entry points for budget-conscious diners, with some venues extending soft launch pricing to quieter days like Mondays.
Supermarket loyalty schemes offer another avenue for savings. Points accumulated through regular grocery shopping can often be converted into restaurant vouchers. For instance, Tesco Clubcard points can be exchanged at a rate of 50p in points for £1.50 in vouchers to use at partners like Prezzo.
Finally, surplus food apps such as Too Good To Go and Olio provide a way to purchase food at a fraction of the standard price. While these options involve some uncertainty regarding the specific items received, they offer a way to reduce overall food spending, leaving more disposable income for planned restaurant visits. The report also notes that energy, wage and tax bills mean they’ve had to put up prices, with some top chefs campaigning for government help, restaurateurs say the rising cost of food. The report also notes that here are some ways to save money on meals out. The report also notes that giving walk-ins up to 50% off the whole bill at thousands of venues when they redeem an offer within its app, eatClub is another. The report also notes that director of foresight and innovation at global trends agency The Food People, says earlier dining appeals because it tends to be quieter and calmer, people drink less and it allows them to get home sooner, shokofeh Hejazi. The report also notes that other deals are all year round, while some tie-in with school holidays. The report also notes that keep track by signing up to newsletters that list upcoming openings in the local area. The report also notes that supermarket loyalty points from those weekly shops add up over time so why not put them toward a meal out.
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