Leeds restaurant The New Conservatory trade doubles on first lunch of 50 per cent discount scheme Eat Out to Help Out

Nick Bird, owner of The New Conservatory on Albion Place, said around 50 people had lunch a the venue on Monday (August 3) compared to 25 diners last Monday.

Welcoming the scheme, Mr Bird, who is also director of the independent restaurant and bar, said: "I think it will encourage people to dine out in restaurants rather than go for takeaways or eat at home.

"I think it makes going out to a restaurant more accessible."

Restaurant and pub owners and managers in Leeds taking part in Eat Out to Help Out have been giving their reactions on the first day of the month-long government discount scheme.

Customers at outlets signed up to the scheme will get 50 per cent discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in, up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between August 3 and Augustb 31.

The discount is automatically applied and businesses taking part will then claim a reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given the customer.

It is designed to support businesses and self-employed people during the coronavirus crisis.

David Herbert, operations manager of Whitelock's Ale House, Turk's Head Yard, Leeds, said he has seen sales slowly increasing since the pub reopened on July 4.

Mr Herbert said: "Food started quite slowly but has built up slowly over the last few weeks."

Mr Herbert said around half of the 30 or so customers who ordered lunch on Monday were not aware of the 50 per cent discount.

He said: "They were pleasantly surprised when we advised them what it was all about.

"This is the first day of three this week and then we have got the whole of August.

"I think more and more people will hopefully hear about the offer soon and I think it is going to be really positive."

Francesco Mazzella, manager of Italian restaurant and takeaway Casa Mia in Chapel Allerton,has diversified and has started selling and renting electric bikes at the restaurant.

Mr Mazzella said: "It is doing amazingly well. We have bike sales and rentals going out every day."

Mr Mazzella said he had a couple of extra restaurant bookings to what he would usually expect on a Monday lunchtime.

Mr Mazzella said: "Most people didn't realise the discount scheme was on and when we told them they were happy.

"I don't know if it is going to bring extra people in or just give a discount to people who were coming in anyway.

"That is something we will have to work out in the next few days."

Jodie Osakwe, general manager of Restaurant Bar and Grill on City Square, Leeds, said: "We have seen an uplift in the number of guests that are booking in for Mondays and Wednesdays while this is running.

"We are hoping to see lots of new guests through the door and for people to try us for the first time. and to take advantage of the hot weather on our new extended outdoor terrace."

Meanwhile, a handy map has been released which pinpoints the location of every independent restaurant taking part in the discount scheme Leeds city centre

Leeds-based printing company Awesome Merchandise - has released the map and has also also created downloadable versions, so people can print off their own map as a pocket guide.

To print or download a copy of the map, click here.

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Laura Collins