Preston-based restaurant group to bring back 'Eat Out to Help Out' next month

The Preston-based San Marco chain, which includes the Italian Orchard, Angelo's, Pinocchios, Stratos and San Marco in Much Hoole, will re-introduce the half price Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday offer at all five of its venues from October 5th to the 28th.

"We just felt it would be nice to give something back to our customers at this time," said director Carlo Bragagnini.

"October and November are normally a bit quieter than usual and so we have decided to bring it back next month, with a view to maybe extending it after that."

The government-backed scheme in August proved a lifeline for restaurants across the UK after the Covid lockdown.

Diners were offered a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a maximum of £10 per head.

Like many restaurant businesses the San Marco Group saw a huge increase in dining out during the month and the family-run firm is expecting a repeat during October.

"All our restaurants will be taking part," said Carlo. "The scheme was really popular when it was brought it in during August.

"We were very grateful to the Government for that and the other ways they have helped businesses, like furlough, during these really difficult times.

"Even though there is no longer any government help for Eat Out to Help Out, we want to give our customers something back.

"We have a lot of loyal customers. But we saw a lot of new ones during August who had not been with us before.

"It's nice to give something back and it also means we can retain the staff we have got and maybe take on more.

"The phone is already ringing off the hook for bookings and it looks like it might be very popular.

"We will be doing this with a view to extending it in November. We will see how it goes."

During August around 100 million cut price meals were served in the UK under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, according to the Government.