100 Bedford Borough restaurants taking part in ‘Eat Out to Help Out’

Foodies across Bedford are being encouraged to “Eat Out To Help Out” from today, with around 100 restaurants in the Borough signed up to a government scheme.

The idea of the scheme is to kickstart the food and drink sector which has suffered massively during the coronavirus lockdown.

And at some restaurants you can even help support Bedford Foodbank by donating some of the money you’ve saved in a new ‘Pay It Forward‘ campaign.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which starts today (3 August), will give customers 50% off their bill, up to a maximum of £10 per person.

If you want to spend a little bit more, your 50% discount only applies to the the first £20.

So, if your bill is £50, and there are two of you, you’ll only pay £30. Restaurants claim the balance back from the Government.

Special menus in place

Many restaurants have created a special £20 menu for the scheme, so customers can make the most of the saving and also installed extra safety measures to keep customers safe.

“Our guests can enjoy a safe summer as we ensure a COVID-safe environment,” said Malcolm Wyse, General Manager at The Swan Hotel.

“Extra safety measure, include safety screens, new self-check-in/out kiosks, one-way flow systems, automated ordering for food and beverage, and sanitiser dispensers throughout the hotel.

“In addition to our normal menus we are providing an opportunity for guests to enjoy a three course fixed price menu for an amazing £10 per person after the scheme discount,” he said.

A full list of all restaurants taking part in the scheme is below.

Pay it forward and help out Bedford Foodbank

The Bedford Independent and Explore Bedford have teamed up with several restaurants to help Bedford Foodbank alongside the scheme.

We’re asking you to ‘pay it forward’ and donate some of your £10 saving to Bedford Foodbank though our dedicated Just Giving page which supports the Trussell Trust.

The Trussell Trust support a nationwide network of food banks, including ours in Bedford, providing emergency food; support to people locked in poverty and campaign for long-term change

When you have finished dining and paid your bill, scan the QR code on the card given to you by your server at any of the following restaurants and donate as much, or as little as you like.

Restaurants taking part in the ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign

(List correct at time of publication)

Not only have you helped out a restaurant, by sharing some of savings you are also helping out those who are struggling in this uncertain time.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reports that the use of food banks in March and April had “effectively doubled” due to coronavirus.

You can also make a donation to the campaign even if you’ve not taken part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, just head to: justgiving.com/fundraising/pay-it-forward-bedford

All restaurants taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme

(List correct at time of publication.To keep up to date as new restaurants are added, head to: gov.uk. Please check the restaurant is still taking part when booking or ordering your meal.)

This article was first published in the Bedford Independent