Whats the point in working, earning and saving without having any fun? The answer, there’s no point. Saving money to retire is important, but having fun along the way, is also important. That said, you can still have fun, do the things you want to do and enjoy yourself without spending all your hard earned savings.
In the past, we’ve looked at ways you can save money on your groceries, save money taking your children or grandchildren for a fun day out and even saving money on a day-to-day basis. Below we’re looking at ways to save money eating out. If you’re anything like me, you’d probably like eat out everyday if you could, but it just costs too much. Or does it? The following are tips on how to eat out for less.
Take Advantage of Lunch Deals
You often find that restaurants, particularly restaurants on a busy high street, run lunch deals. They may have a limited menu, but sometimes they offer a three course meal for a very reasonable price. Other places, particularly chain places, do a 2-for-1 deal where you buy one meal and get the next one for free.
Offer to Review a Restaurant
If you have the contacts you can offer to write a review of a restaurant. Not only will you get the food for free, but they will usually give you VIP treatment. After all no restaurant wants a bad review.
Check Out What Discount You Are Entitled to
If you are a student, OAP or unemployed, you maybe entitled to a discount. Some restaurants even offer a discount if you work for a particular company, such as the NHS.
Eat Out at Buffets
Buffets are not only reasonably priced, but great value for money. Most offer eat as much as you for a certain time period. For lunches it’s usually 12 – 2. Buffets are a great option if you’re looking to go with a group of friends in the evening because you can literally stay there all night.
Eat Out on Your Birthday
Some restaurants offer discount meals and meal free of charge if it’s your birthday. Remember though only the birthday boy or girl is entitled to to a free meal.
Go to an Gallery Opening
Newly opened galleries will often provide a generous buffet and wine tasting on their opening night. Unfortunately few are open to everyone and you will probably need to know someone who can invite you.
Look Out for Newly Opened Restaurants
Newly opened restaurant often try to develop a customer base by offering discounts in the first few weeks of their opening.
Eat an Hour or Two Before the Restaurant Closes
There are some restaurants, particularly environmentally conscious ones, that cut their prices an hour or two before they close so they can get rid of much food as possible. This is particularly the case with sushi restaurants.
Look on Sites such as Group On or Wowcher
These sites have deals for everything, including some of the nicest restaurants in your area.
Keep to the Local Food and Restaurants
Local restaurants that sell local delicacies or at least food popular with the locals are usually a lot cheaper than restaurants selling more exotic fare. Make sure they are restaurants frequented by locals because some more touristy restaurants may sell the same kind of food at much higher prices.
Eat Out During the Week
Restaurants are almost always more expensive at the weekend when they don’t have such a need to entice people through their doors. They usually offer their best deals during the week when the are comparatively empty.
