Chancellor tells Brits to keep eating out as thrifty couple grab Eat Out to Help Out bargain on wedding day
TWO childhood sweethearts pulled off one of the biggest Eat Out to Help Out bargains — their wedding breakfast for just a tenner.
Newlyweds Hayden and Chelsea-Marie Davies told of their savvy choice as Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s hugely successful month-long meal deal draws to an end tonight.
Customers have already scoffed 64million meals and businesses said the £600million Monday-to-Wednesday scheme had helped them get back on their feet after lockdown.
Despite the end of the Government-backed scheme — which saw bills reduced by half, up to a £10 per person limit — several restaurants and pub groups have decided to continue with their own deals.
They include Harvester, Toby Carvery, Tesco Cafe, Franco Manca, TGI Fridays, Bill’s and Pizza Hut.
Mr Sunak has encouraged Brits to keep on eating out.
He said: “I want to say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local, to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe, and to the chefs, waiters and waitresses who have worked tirelessly — all helping to protect 1.8million jobs in the hospitality sector.
“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.” The deals saw the number of people dining out twice a week more than double compared to the same period last year. And polls suggest half the population are planning to carry on eating out more.
Jemima Ferguson, marketing director at sushi chain itsu, said: “We believe ripple effects from the positive impact of this scheme will be felt for many months to come.”
Soldier Hayden and bride Chelsea-Marie, both 25, had planned a more lavish celebration in July with a DJ and kids’ entertainment. But the Covid crisis meant they had a rethink — and ended up spending just over £300 on everything.
Hayden wore a £30 suit from Peacocks and £20 shoes from Sports Direct. Chelsea-Marie bought her dress for £10 on eBay and a veil for £1.50.
The biggest expense for the register office ceremony in Taunton, Somerset, was the £80 ring. Chelsea-Marie’s sister Catrina Guest and her boyfriend James Piper were the witnesses.
She said: “We just wanted it to be small, intimate and romantic.
“It was so much easier and there was less pressure. I’ve spoken to a few people from wedding groups who’ve said they’re struggling to budget on £20,000 and I’m like, ‘What?’.”
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After the ceremony, the happy couple from Glastonbury dined at a nearby Brewers Fayre — having lasagne and smothered chicken at a combined £9.60 with the discount.
Chelsea-Marie, who has a four-year-old son, added: “As it was on a Wednesday, we were even able to take advantage of Eat Out to Help Out and got 50 per cent off.
“So, thanks to Rishi, our day was even cheaper.”
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