DOZENS of restaurants and cafes in Tiptree and the surrounding area have signed up to take part in the ‘Eat out to Help Out’ scheme.

The government’s new initiative will see diners get up to 50 per cent off the cost of their dinner (sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.

It is hoped the new idea will boost the struggling hospitality industry, now that the national lockdown is easing.

The scheme will cover meals up to £10 per head and there is no minimum spend.

You don’t need a voucher to use the scheme and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts.

The scheme applies to restaurants, cafés, bars or pubs, work and school canteens and food halls.

Perrywood Garden Centre’s cafe is taking part in the scheme.

A spokesman for the garden centre said: “We are glad to be part of this government scheme, it is a great opportunity for people to enjoy eating out during times that are more likely to be quiet.

“The recent opening of our new Greenhouse Café in our bedding plant area enables us to seat more people in a spacious, airy environment amongst the plants.

“We hope that this new atmosphere will help people to feel more confident to visit and make use of the offer during August.”

Forget Me Not Tearooms has also signed up to the scheme and said it was excited to welcome people.

A spokesman said: “We anticipate that we will be busy, especially on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays so ask where possible to please book a table as we currently have a limited number available.”

Visit www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant.