Hands up if you’ve missed the restaurants over lockdown! Me for one! Now as my husband and daughter will readily tell you I’m no Delia or Nigella (My son is still at the mummy is amazing stage and I’m savouring every second of it!)

However, my culinary skills have definitely improved during the pandemic as I’m sure many others have due to having a bit more time at home and because I haven’t been able to just go out for a big, juicy steak or a seafood pasta, yum!

So I’ve had to get a bit more creative. Plus, there’s not been much else to do on a Sunday than brush up my Sunday lunch skills (which were fairly poor before tbh) We’ve also taken full advantage of the local takeaway deliveries on offer (my waistline is reminding me of this) and to be fair some of them have been great!

However, I’m not going to lie when I heard from Boris that the restaurants were allowed to open on the 4^th July, I was thrilled.

I love my food (and gin :)) and straight away set about booking in some nice restaurants. I was not disappointed, especially by a certain fish restaurant in Thirsk!

By the time Rishi announced his ‘eat out to help out scheme’ I realised that there was no way I’d be losing any weight during the summer.

But for those of you that haven’t already browsed the list here you go, thank me later! https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

From personal experience you’ll have to be quick to take advantage as restaurants are getting booked up fast!

To summarise the scheme, for all restaurants that have opted in, on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday you will get 50% slashed off your bill (upto £10 per person, kids too!) this applies to both food and drink excluding alcohol.

Now I appreciate that some people maybe apprehensive to visit restaurants yet as Covid is still ever present in our society,  however I can honestly say that where restaurants are concerned I’ve been pleasantly surprised so far at how well organised the restaurants I’ve visited have been.

However, if you’re unsure, check with the restaurant beforehand what measures they have in place and that they have a Covid risk assessment (they should have by law and if not point them in our direction 🙂 at Beeiit.com ).

Here’s some of the new measures you can expect when you go out for food:

·         Restaurants will need to keep a record of your details for 21 days to assist with test and trace

·         Indoor and soft play areas are to remain closed

·         Providing clear guidance to customers on social distancing in the restaurant

·         Reconfigured seating both indoor and outdoors to comply with social distancing

·         Staff managing entrances to restaurants, to avoid congestion and direct you to your seats as quickly as possible

·         Limits to numbers of customers, so expect a less crowded experience

·         Minimising customer self service (such as chefs now serving at buffets)

·         Contactless payment is likely to be encouraged

·         Minimised contact between staff and customers

·         Ordering apps have been introduced in lots of restaurants (so if you have a smart phone take it)

After rumours that the government may have to close pubs and restaurants again in September to make way for schools reopening, now is the time to make the most of it just in case, I certainly will be! Plus it’s a great way to support businesses who have been forced to close and lost money due to the pandemic, and if you eat out on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday there are huge bargains to be had too, winner winner chicken dinner!