AUGUST is the month to 'Eat Out in Retford'

All of us have been asked to do many things in recent months: stay home, home school, wear masks, keep apart and wash our hands, and now wearing mask for doing the shopping.

And now we’re being called to action again.  But this time to dine out to help the hospitality industry get back on its feet after being hit for six by the lockdown.

This one is most definitely my favourite. After spending lots of time cooped up indoors eating our own stuff, eating out will be a welcome change.

So, let’s all get behind the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme when it starts next month and urge all your friends to do the same.

It’s not the most imaginatively titled initiative, but the idea – to help our high streets by supporting local eateries – is one we should fully support.

I understand some people can’t eat out right now due to health or financial reasons, but if you can do your bit to keep businesses open and support jobs in our local area then please do.

Here’s what you need to know about the scheme.

• It is running every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 3 and 31 August.
• Eat out on these days at a participating restaurant, pub, or cafe, and you can get 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to the value of £10 per person if you eat or drink in. (But remember alcoholic drinks are NOT included)
• The discount is applied straight away – no filling out of forms or waiting for refunds.
• You can take advantage of it as many times as you like.
• There’s no minimum spend and you don’t have to order food to be eligible, for example a £3 coffee would cost £1.50 under the scheme.
• A website will be up and running by 31 July giving you a list of eateries taking part in the scheme. (We hope)

It’s worth noting that it’s not just restaurants, cafes and pubs that can take part. Work canteens and food halls can too, providing they have registered.

If you’re keen to take advantage of the scheme, always check that the venue is taking part before you order – to avoid any nasty surprises when the bill arrives.

Remember that many eateries can only serve a limited number of diners right now and ask that customers book ahead.

If you do make a reservation and can’t make it, please let the venue know. No-shows cost businesses money, and things are already tough in the hospitality industry.

Even before the pandemic, many food outlets, especially restaurants, were finding it challenging.

Between 2018 and 2019 almost 1,000 restaurants disappeared from UK high streets. (Overall numbers fell from 27,189 to 26,265. Source: Statista.com).

If we want Retford and the North Notts area to have a thriving restaurant/café/pub environment and a warm neighbourhood buzz, it’s up to us to support it.

Thanks for reading

I am always happy to help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk

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