Eat Out to Help Out, the government scheme which allows customers to eat out for half price throughout August, has been used more than 35 million times in its first two weeks, according to the latest Treasury results.
The deal, which sees restaurants, pubs and cafes offer 50 per cent off the bill, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head, Monday-Wednesday, has proved so popular and kept many businesses busy, that some are extending it into September - without government help.
Here we take a look at a range of Scottish bars and restaurants that are extending the scheme.
New Chapter, an award-winning family-run restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, will extend the Eat Out to Help Out offer beyond the scheme’s end date of 31 August.
Under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, New Chapter’s customers have been able to enjoy the popular lunch menu for as little as £10 for two courses and dinner from £14 for two courses.
The offer has been so popular that the restaurant owners decided to offer it for another month.
Picture: 56 North Facebook
56 North, also located in Edinburgh, has also decided to extend the offer themselves.
They posted on Facebook, saying: “Due to the huge demand we’ve decided to extend our #eatouttohelpout for September and October ourselves! 50% off food up to £10pp and all we ask is you pre book a table online selecting the offer when booking.
“We'd still encourage you to use the deal during August where we get the government support to help us”.
Montpelier’s restaurants and bars are offering diners a September sequel to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, but this time, they’re footing the bill.
Those looking to soak up the stylish atmosphere can enjoy 50 per cent off their bill, up to the value of £10 per person, Monday-Wednesday.
Other venues include: Rabble Taproom and Grill, Indigo Yard and Montpelier.
This popular bar, with its roof terrace that overlooks Edinburgh Castle, will be continuing the nationwide scheme throughout September after the government initiative comes to an end on Monday 31 August.
Diners can look forward to money off the bar's authentic, stone baked Neapolitan pizza as well as burgers and salads.
Booking isn't essential, but recommended.
Located in the West End of Princes Street, The Huxley is an Edinburgh institution and both the bar and upstairs restaurant, Kyloe, are extending the Eat Out to Help Out discount.
Diners at Kyloe can tuck into one of the restaurant's famous Scottish steaks while enjoying incredible views of Edinburgh Castle.
Offering simple food in cosy, relaxing surroundings, The Queens Arms serves a variety of comfort food dishes, from fish and chips to pies and a grilled cheese and ham toastie - all of which can be enjoyed with money off this September, from Monday-Wednesday.
Morningside’s McLarens on the Corner pub was transformed into a community hub for Edinburgh foodies to enjoy restaurant quality dining, street food, cocktails and craft ale back in May.
Now the neighbourhood bar is extending the popular scheme so that diners can continue to enjoy the discount.
McLarens on the Corner celebrates the work of former Edinburgh Lord Provost, Duncan McLaren, who served from 1833 to 1881.
Described as the ‘rescuer of the city’, McLaren was responsible for restoring Edinburgh’s finances after it ran into bankruptcy.
Tuck into good homely food at Element, which offers a range of pub classic usually with a modern twist.
Guests will be able to enjoy 50 per cent off their food bill (capped at £10 per person) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout September and Monday to Friday at The Black Bull in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
Diners can enjoy a further month of 50 per cent off Boozy Cow's dishes, which include burgers, fried chicken, Philly cheese steak and posh hot dogs.
The mythical deep fried Mars bar is also available here, on the dessert menu and includes whisky whipped cream, salted caramel
drizzle and toasted peanuts.
This stylish cocktail bar also has an all day menu as well as light bite options for enjoying alongside your drink of choice.
Bigger dishes include burgers, salads, steak frites and fish and chips...and make sure to leave room for dessert.
Glaschu, a new restaurant at the heart of Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square, finally opened its doors at the end of July, almost five months later than planned due to lockdown.
Glaschu is located in the Western Club building and is headed up by head chef Dion Scott, who previously trained in Blumenthal’s kitchens and some of London’s most famous eateries.
Diners can look forward to a menu designed to showcase the best of Scotland’s larder, supporting local producers, farmers and fishermen.
The chic restaurant has recently announced that it will be extending the Eat Out to Help Out scheme into September with bookings being taken now.
This popular southside bar reopened in 2018 after a £650,000 refurbishment and reopened its beer garden following lockdown on 6 July, with advance bookings essential.
The menu at the dog-friendly bar includes modern pub dishes with plenty of burgers, mac and cheese and chilli alongside lighter bites and desserts.
Diners can enjoy the extended Eat Out to Help out discount at this funky city centre bar on Monday – Friday, during opening hours.
The team at the outdoor restaurant and beer garden that features food menus from Rioja, Halloumi, Pickled Ginger, Kilmurry & Co and La Rotunda will continue the scheme and will offer customers dining inside and outside at Cranside Kitchen 50 per cent off their food bill, up to the value of £10 per person, when dining on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 1 - 30.
Food on the menu includes dishes from across the five restaurants, including: antipasti, pizza, pasta and insalate from La Rotunda; seafood, Greek meze and salads from Halloumi; tapas and paella from Rioja; sushi, curries and sashimi from Pickled Ginger and a full brunch menu from Kilmurry & Co.
Food is served daily from 10am - 10pm with the brunch offering from 10am - 4pm daily and all other brands from 12pm onwards.
Located close to Kelvingrove Park, Five March has a delicious seasonal menu of small plates and a bargain lunch set menu.
Those that missed out on the August discount can book now to take advantage of 50 per cent off in September.
KoolBa, in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant city, are continuing to offer 50 per cent off meals up to a maximum of £10 per person on Mondays to Thursday throughout September.
Manager Fattah said “It has been fantastic to see friends and families reunite at KoolBa. In these difficult times we want to say thank you to our customers and welcome new and old customers back to KoolBa”.
Food served at the restaurant has influences from India, Persia and beyond, and combines Scottish produce with carefully selected spices.
Diners can tuck into home cooked dishes such as Kerelan garlic chilli chicken, chicken chaat and lamb biriyani served alongside a specially selected wine list and enticing cocktail selection.
Diners can enjoy 50 per cent off, up to £10 per person, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12pm at Meadowpark.
The menu includes pub favourites such as mac and cheese, steak pie and fish and chips, and there's also a range of pizzas and burgers.
Formerly The West Port, the Saint was recently renovated and boasts a modern lounge area and extensive beer garden, which can be booked.
Locally sourced ingredients feature on the menu, which includes brunch, salads, sandwiches and pub favourites.
Picture: The Chester Hotel
The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen has launched a scheme called Missed Out On Eating Out?
The scheme will give diners 50 per cent of all food in their alfresco Gallery Experience on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 16 September.
The scheme is aimed at giving those in Aberdeen who missed out on the majority of the chancellor's Eat Out To Help Out scheme the opportunity to eat out and to support local.
Diners will be able to take advantage of the offer on food from 12 noon each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and there is no minimum spend.
