Wetherspoons and Slug and Lettuce say they will continue money-off deals in September after Eat Out to Help Out ends

Today is the final day that the government will reimburse cafes and restaurants 50 per cent of the cost of food – a scheme that has meant establishments have offered half-price bills on non-alcoholic drinks and food to customers from Monday to Wednesday in August.

But Wetherspoons and Slug and Lettuce have said that they will continue to offer money off food bills.

Slug and Lettuce says customers will see 50 per cent off their bill, which applies to food, soft drinks, tea and coffee, with no cap. There is no limit on the discount, unlike the unlike the government campaign, which was capped at £10 per person. There are pubs at Gunwharf Quays and in West Street, Fareham.

Sarah Miller, operations director of Stonegate Pub Company, which owns Slug and Lettuce said: ‘The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been so successful, it has been a great incentive for our customers to come back. Monday to Wednesday are definitely the new Friday night at the moment!

‘Re-opening our sites in July came with many challenges but also an abundance of opportunities.’

Meanwhile, JD Wetherspoon – which has pubs across the area – is launching a promotional drive called ‘Stay Out To Help Out’ on Tuesday. It says a range of meals and drinks will be reduced from Monday to Wednesday until Wednesday, November 11.

Examples are an 11in margherita pizza and a soft drink, and a 6oz beefburger and chips with a soft drink, both for £3.99.

Wetherspoon founder and 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.

‘Our offer means that a classic beef burger in our pubs will be even better value than McDonald’s.’