50% discount when you eat out during the whole of August

Those eating out will get a 50% discount off their restaurant bill throughout August as part of the government’s desperate attempt to save the hospitality industry. The discount means people eating out between Monday and Wednesday could save up to £10 per head, but does not apply to alcohol.

Unveiling the scheme, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also said VAT on hospitality and tourism would drop to 5%.

Mr Sunak said: "Each week in August, businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days."

Pubs and restaurants reopened on Saturday - dubbed “Super Saturday” - after over three months in lockdown, with safety measures in place to prevent a second wave of Covid-19.

UK Hospitality's chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: "This doesn't mean we are out of the woods and there are still significant challenges ahead.

"The biggest of these is the spectre of rent liabilities, which many businesses are still facing from their closure period. We are going to need government support on this before too long."

The discount applies to participating restaurants, cafés, and pubs across the UK.