Pubs, restaurants and cafes across the region are preparing for the introduction of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative that begins on Monday.

In a bid to get the hospitality sector back up and running, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced unprecedented plans for an 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme which will give all customers a 50 percent discount from August on food and drink, except alcohol.

For all businesses which sign up to the scheme, there will be a maximum discount of £10 a head on sit down meals, including children.

Many businesses are changing their hours to accommodate the offer; they include Jack’s Tearoom and Kitchen in Cirencester, The Old Prison in Northleach and The Gateway at the Lakes who staying open later for their customers to make the most of the offer.

“Perhaps the most exciting part of this scheme for us here at Relish is that it allows us the opportunity to throw open our doors on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, when ordinarily some venues would be closed from 4pm or 5pm,” said Relish director Philippa Sawyer.

“We appreciate the offer and are going one step further and offering our customers a full 50 percent off.”

The Golden Cross Inn, Cirencester, has been closing Monday and Tuesday and only offering food at the weekend and at lunchtimes.

As of next week the pub will be open all week, while Teatro, the restaurant and bar, situated at Ingleside House and next to the towns Barn Theatre will be open from 4pm on Wednesday’s to give their customer base the opportunity to dine with them and take advantage of the offer.

“We have considered it and can only at this time extend our opening hours for one day.

"We are introducing another offer of Super Sundays, which is 25 percent off of all food on Sunday,” said Teatro director, Rachel Wright.

“We have a large outdoor space we can utilise and are already seeing many come and join us for al fresco dining, something many are more comfortable with at this time.”

The Bathurst Arms in North Cerney has only recently reopened its doors but is open all week.

Business owner, Jordan Pelly, welcomes the scheme and will be offering it to his diners.

“We opened on July 23 with a new organic menu and want people from the area and those visiting to come try our style of food,” he said.

“This is a great idea for the trade and the customer, a win for all and will hopefully bolster the industry that was hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic.”

The Treasury said the 50 percent discount can be used unlimited times during August and applies to participating restaurants, cafés, and pubs across the UK.