RESTAURATEURS are pleased with how the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative has led to a return of much-needed footfall.

Jon Dean, manager of the Alma Tavern on the Droitwich Road, said: The scheme has been phenomenal.

“It’s made a big difference and it has had the desired effect to kick start the restaurant economy. There’s been speculation about the Government doing it again but we are looking at holding our own scheme just for food from Monday to Thursday to boost numbers.”

A spokesman for Coffee Warehouse in The Foregate, said: “The scheme has been great and we’ve been busy, particularly at the beginning of the week, which is unusual for restaurants - we’ve had to turn some people away as all the tables are full.”

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Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is launching its own reduced prices scheme after the end of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative.

The move will see prices on a range of meals and drinks reduced from Monday to Wednesday until November 11.

The cheaper prices will start on Tuesday, following the end of the Government’s drive to encourage people to eat out by subsidising meals during August.

Wetherspoon said prices on some of its meals and drinks will be cheaper than those available in takeaways.

Chairman Tim Martin said: “The Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme was extremely popular with our customers and a great boost to the hospitality industry.

Eat Out to Help Out came to an end across the country yesterday.