August 7, 2020 11.30 am This story is over 43 months old

Lincoln businesses see Eat Out to Help Out boost

Food & drink places report good weekday sales
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
By Local Democracy Reporter

Restaurants across Lincoln reported a hefty increase in customers this week, for the first three days of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The 50% off food and soft drinks scheme (up to £10 per person) is intended as a way to get customers back out to boost the economy after the COVID-19 lockdown.

It will run throughout August from Monday to Wednesdays each week, and businesses in Lincoln said they are thriving as a result of it.

Chaz Hundal, owner of Sign of the Fish on Sincil Street, told The Lincolnite that it has helped his business massively.

“We have seen a two-fold increase in sales and customers in the restaurant. This scheme was most definitely needed, especially for independent businesses. It gets customers back out spending their money in restaurants.”

Chaz is aware the upshift in customers won’t last forever, though. “I believe numbers will drop again and hope the Chancellor will look at introducing a different scheme to help restaurants for autumn and winter trade.”

Charles Byrne is the manager of The Nosey Parker in Lincoln, where they had a big boost in customers.

“We’ve already been busier than expected since reopening, even with COVID-19 measures in place, but the Eat Out To Help Out deal has increased business in a big way.

“Monday through Wednesday were some of the busiest weekdays in the history of the pub. As long as we can keep people safe while giving them a great experience, we’re happy!”

Gio Cardechi from Bar Unico welcomed the scheme and said it has been a good avenue for new business.

“I think it’s a very good scheme for businesses like ours as it brings in more trade and new customers who haven’t been to Bar Unico before.”

Gio did also say that he expects a drop in numbers at the end of the month. “The scheme ends on August 31 and naturally it does slow down when the school holidays end.”

See the full list of Lincoln businesses participating