Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously announced some tax cuts to help with the summer savings
With the summer holidays just a few days away, many parents will be looking for ways to entertain and feed their family without breaking the bank. Facing six cash-squeezing weeks can be daunting but a number of UK restaurants and stores are offering parents a lifeline with free or cheap eats this summer.
This also comes after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which provides tax cuts to certain businesses offering eligible activities and meals. It’s hoped this savings will then be passed onto customers.
The Great British Summer Savings scheme includes a number of businesses, ranging from nationwide franchises like Burger King and Butlin’s to small businesses, independent cafes and soft play areas. Families can use the Summer Savings website to find participating businesses near them, with the scheme due to end on September 1st across the UK.
Where kids can eat free
Alongside the Great British Summer Savings scheme, a number of businesses are also offering free eats to kids this summer. Money Wellness highlighted some of the top-tier deals including high street supermarkets.
- Morrisons Café, where purchasing a single adult meal exceeding £5 secures a completely free children’s lunch
- Tesco is offering similar value, providing free kids’ meals on weekdays at their Coffee Shops with any adult purchase
- ASK Italian are offering free meals for up to two children per family until 6 September via their app
- Bella Italia is providing a three-course meal and a drink from Sunday to Thursday with any adult main
- Pizza enthusiasts can take advantage of Franco Manca’s offer of a free kids’ pizza for under-12s between Monday and Thursday with every adult main
- Pizza Hut is serving up a free meal, side, dessert and drink for children under 12 with an adult main and minimum spend
- Even Michelin-starred establishments are joining in on the offers. Children under 10 dine completely free all day, every day at Gordon Ramsay restaurants when an adult orders two courses from the à la carte menu
- Marco Pierre White restaurants are running a similarly impressive deal for under-12s, excluding Saturday evenings
Cheap eats
At a few restaurants and stores, kids can eat for £1 or less this summer too. This includes Asda Cafes kids meal for £1 with no adult spend required and every meal comes with a free piece of fruit.
Both Flaming Grill Pubs and Hungry Horse are offering 88p kids meal deals. Kids at the Flaming Grill Pub will get 88p meals on weekdays including a drink and dessert while the Hungry Horse is offering up to two children’s meal deals for 88p with every adult main on weekdays.
Kids can eat for £1 at Dobbies Garden Centres whenever you buy an adult breakfast or lunch. And at Ikea, it will cost just 95p for a kids’ pasta with tomato sauce, a drink and fruit.
